Description
Creamy Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Casserole
This rich and cheesy shrimp casserole is baked to perfection with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting seafood dish perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp flour
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken or seafood broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat & Season the Shrimp:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
Slowly whisk in heavy cream and broth, stirring until smooth.
Add Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until melted and creamy.
Assemble & Bake:
Pour the creamy sauce into a baking dish.
Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top, pressing them slightly into the sauce.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until shrimp are cooked and the top is golden.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and garlicky baked shrimp casserole with a side of crusty bread or pasta!
Would you like a spicier version or an extra crunchy topping?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent a watery sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Toss the shrimp with the oil and seasonings in a medium bowl. For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant to avoid burning. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for a full minute. Gradually add the heavy cream and broth, whisking constantly to eliminate lumps. Once smooth and slightly thickened, reduce heat to low and stir in the cheeses and seasonings until fully melted. Pour the finished sauce into your prepared dish. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on top. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the shrimp are opaque.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of cooked pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try it with steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad. Crusty garlic bread or a baguette is essential for scooping up every last bit of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
How-to Summary
Season shrimp with oil and spices. Create a roux with butter, garlic, and flour. Whisk in cream and broth, then melt in cheeses to make a sauce. Pour sauce into a dish, top with shrimp, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but they must be completely thawed and patted very dry. Using frozen shrimp directly will release too much water and thin the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk as it may curdle.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered oven dish at 325°F or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? You can make the sauce and season the shrimp up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble just before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Baking for too long will make them rubbery. They are done when opaque and pink.
- Not Cooking the Roux: If you don’t cook the butter and flour mixture for a full minute, your sauce can have a raw, floury taste.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Always reduce the heat to low before adding cheese to the sauce. High heat can cause the cheese to become greasy and separate.
- Using Wet Shrimp: Failing to pat thawed shrimp dry adds excess moisture, leading to a thin, runny sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Casserole is a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal that is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. Its versatility in serving and adaptability for dietary needs makes it a reliable recipe for any occasion. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle buttery panko breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. Enjoy your delicious creation!