Delicious Creamy Shrimp Casserole Recipe for Comfort

I remember the very first time I made a creamy shrimp casserole for my family—it was a total kitchen experiment fueled by a frantic search for simple nutrition on a hectic weeknight. I had shrimp leftover from a weekend dinner and, truth be told, I was staring down a busy week ahead with little time to plan meals. I whipped up this creamy shrimp casserole, unsure if the kids would touch it. To my surprise, not only did they dive into this creamy seafood dish, but they also asked for seconds! That night, my creamy shrimp casserole wasn’t just a dinner win; it was a rare moment of calm in the usual nourishing chaos. It supported my family’s nutrition by packing lean protein and healthy fats into a recipe that was both tasty and comforting.

As a mom juggling school runs, work deadlines, and after-school snacks, I needed a recipe that didn’t add stress. This creamy shrimp casserole fit perfectly. I learned that simple ingredients layered with wholesome nutrition can create a dish that feels like comfort food casserole but is actually a healthy family meal. What surprised me most was how this shrimp bake incorporated veggies and whole grains in a way my kids didn’t resist.

If you’re a fellow nutrition-seeker looking for a cozy, creamy shrimp casserole that supports your family’s wellness without complexity, you’re in the right place. I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from choosing the best ingredients to quick cooking hacks to make this shrimp gratin a staple in your kitchen. This creamy shrimp casserole has become a cornerstone in my family’s nutrition journey, transforming hectic mealtimes into nourishing memories.

If you like the idea of a creamy shrimp casserole packed with flavor and simple nutrition, check out this other family-healthy favorite, a delicious hearty shrimp casserole that brings smiles every time. And for a different creamy seafood dish that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, try this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe I love. You’ll see why creamy seafood casseroles are game changers for busy families needing comfort food casseroles that nourish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a creamy shrimp casserole ingredient list that’s simple yet packed with nutrition because busy moms deserve sanity-saving nutrition without complexity:

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms (a vitamin-rich boost for flavor and texture)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (adds fiber and vitamins)
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice (whole grain helps balance the creamy seafood dish)
  • 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt (creaminess with protein, instead of heavy cream)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for melty goodness)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory punch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (healthy fats for brain and heart support)
  • 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (for that creamy binder without refined carbs)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup peas or corn (for some natural sweetness and color)

No worries if you don’t have Greek yogurt—plain low-fat sour cream or cottage cheese also works great for extra creaminess and protein in your creamy shrimp casserole.

Top down raw ingredients for creamy shrimp casserole on white marble surface

You’ll find most of these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store without needing specialty stops. If you’re balancing a budget, brown rice is a great stand-in for pricier whole grains, and using frozen broccoli or peas cuts waste and saves money.

Prep shortcut: Pre-chop your veggies or use frozen bags for a time-saving nutrition hack, so your creamy shrimp casserole comes together quicker after a long day. My family gets extra nutrition when I sneak in some chopped spinach or kale right before baking.

Remember, this creamy shrimp casserole proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated. It’s all about wholesome basics that support your family’s health without extra fuss.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to make this creamy shrimp casserole a new favorite? Here’s how we do it, step-by-step, like we’re chatting in the kitchen together.

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. This sets the stage for that perfect bubbly, creamy seafood dish we all love.
  • Sauté the veggies and shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Toss in mushrooms and broccoli, cooking until just tender.
  • Add shrimp: Pop in your shrimp and cook until pink but not fully done (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
  • Make the creamy base: Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour, stirring to coat veggies and shrimp. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring constantly until slightly thickened. Fold in Greek yogurt and half the mozzarella cheese —this is where your creamy shrimp casserole really starts to come together.
  • Mix with rice for balance: In a large bowl, combine cooked brown rice with the shrimp-veg-cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer and top: Pour everything into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over.
  • Bake: Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Your kitchen should smell nourishing by now! If you want a crispier top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully.

This nutritious creamy shrimp casserole usually takes me 40 minutes total, which fits perfectly between homework help and after-school routines.

While it bakes, it’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a quick moment for yourself—because nourishing your family includes nurturing yourself too.

Don’t worry if your creamy shrimp casserole looks a little loose before baking; it firms up in the oven as the sauce thickens. This shrimp gratin style casserole is forgiving and a great confidence builder for busy moms learning how to feed their families simple nutrition.

One personal discovery? Adding the brown rice mix right into the creamy base keeps the casserole moist and satisfying. Also, slowly stirring in the Greek yogurt avoids curdling and amps up the protein punch. It’s one of those little wellness lessons I’m happy to share with fellow moms.

For another delicious creamy seafood casserole idea that my family adores, take a peek at this baked seafood casserole recipe with no heavy cream—it’s a lighter alternative but just as tasty.

How We Love to Eat This!

Our family jumps on the creamy shrimp casserole bandwagon especially when I serve it with:

  • Steamed green beans or asparagus: They add crunch and vitamins that complement the creamy seafood casserole without overwhelming picky kids.
  • Fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette: Brightens the plate and boosts fiber for digestion.
  • Whole grain rolls or breadsticks: Perfect for dipping in leftover creamy sauce because, let’s be honest, no part of this comfort food casserole should go to waste.

Close up of finished creamy shrimp casserole with condensation and sauce smears

This creamy shrimp casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need dinnertime nutrition wins fast, but it’s also one I bring to family potlucks—the rich flavors always get compliments. Guests appreciate how it feels indulgent, but I know it’s filled with lean protein, veggies, and wholesome grains.

For leftovers, I cut the creamy shrimp casserole into single servings, tempting my kids with “Shrimp Bake to-Go!” They make great work or school lunches that keep their energy steady.

Seasonally, I swap broccoli with cauliflower in winter or toss in chopped bell peppers in summer for a colorful twist. This keeps the dish interesting and aligned with what’s fresh and nutritious.

When friends drop by, they often say, “Wow, I didn’t think healthy could taste this good!” That’s the compliment every busy mom hopes for while juggling nourishing chaos.

If your family loves this creamy shrimp casserole, they’ll also go crazy for this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe, which is another simple nutrition winner for quick seafood dinners.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Is this creamy shrimp casserole really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! This creamy shrimp casserole packs high-quality protein from shrimp, calcium and protein from cheese, and fiber from brown rice and veggies. My kids get steady energy and none of the sugary crash common with quick-carb dinners.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy creamy shrimp casserole?
Try hiding veggies finely chopped or pureed before mixing them in. The creamy texture disguises everything. I’ve also had luck letting kids help prepare it—it boosts their interest in tasting.

Q: Can I meal prep this creamy shrimp casserole for busy weeks ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. I usually prepare the mix and bake it the day I plan to eat it. You can assemble it ahead, cover tightly, and bake fresh when needed.

Q: Can I substitute other seafood for the shrimp?
Definitely. White fish or scallops work well. For more seafood casseroles, try this shrimp casserole or the baked seafood casserole with no heavy cream as tasty alternatives.

Q: Is using Greek yogurt a good swap for cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces fat while keeping the creamy texture. Just fold it in off heat to prevent curdling.

Q: What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?
All-purpose flour works okay, but whole wheat adds extra fiber and nutrients, which my family loves for simple nutrition.

Q: Can I make this creamy shrimp casserole gluten-free?
Certainly! Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

For more nutrition hacks and family-friendly seafood casserole recipes, check out this creamy garlic butter shrimp and this delightful shrimp casserole that’s big on family appeal.

Final Thoughts:

This creamy shrimp casserole supports my family’s nutrition goals by turning simple ingredients into a comforting seafood casserole that offers protein, fiber, and healthy fats. We’re talking about a creamy seafood dish that nourishes without fuss—perfect for busy nights when wholesome meals feel out of reach.

My creamy shrimp casserole Nutrition Hacks:
– Swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt boosts protein without extra fat.
– Adding brown rice sneaks in whole grains for longer-lasting energy.
– Tossing in hidden veggies like spinach ups vitamins and minerals without complaints.

Family-tested creamy shrimp casserole variations include:
– A spicy shrimp gratin with a pinch of cayenne for my husband.
– A veggie-rich version with extra broccoli and corn my daughter loves.
– A simpler shrimp bake with just cheese and a light creamy sauce for my toddler.

Each family member finds their favorite, but all versions bring nutrition and comfort to our table. I encourage you to make this creamy shrimp casserole your own—swap ingredients, add seasonings, and tweak portions to fit your family’s tastes.

If you’re trying to build simple, nourishing meals without overwhelm, this creamy shrimp casserole is a perfect starting point. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does, turning busy days into moments of shared nourishment and joy.

For more creamy seafood dish inspiration and quick nutrition wins, dive into this creamy Reuben soup recipe—it’s another nourishing favorite around here.

Remember, fellow nutrition-seeker, healthy meals don’t have to be complicated or stressful. With this creamy shrimp casserole, you’ve got a cozy, nourishing option that works hard so you don’t have to.

Try this flavorful seafood mac and cheese casserole, a baked dish featuring briny Gulf seafood that complements your creamy shrimp casserole rotation.

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creamy shrimp casserole

Freshly prepared creamy shrimp casserole with rich textures

This creamy shrimp casserole combines tender shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce baked to perfection, making it a comforting and flavorful seafood dish.

  • Author: Juliette
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
  4. Mix in the cooked rice and shrimp, combining well.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  6. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

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