Description
Cheesy Baked Shrimp and Spinach Casserole
This indulgent dish combines juicy shrimp, creamy spinach, and a blanket of gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for special occasions or a comforting dinner at home!
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish and set aside.
Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly opaque. Remove from the skillet.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the sautéed spinach evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top. Pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp and spinach. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes for extra flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
Enjoy!
This cheesy shrimp and spinach casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s sure to be a hit with your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Work: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 or similar casserole dish. Ensure shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry. Chop spinach and mince garlic.
2. Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add spinach and sauté until just wilted. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Cook Protein: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp.
4. Create Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Layer the Dish: Spread wilted spinach in the bottom of the dish. Arrange shrimp evenly on top. Pour the creamy sauce over everything. Top with shredded mozzarella.
6. Bake & Finish: Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. For browning, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance its creaminess. Serve it over a bed of angel hair pasta, linguine, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus makes an excellent accompaniment. Don’t forget crusty garlic bread or a baguette for dipping.
How-to Summary
Sauté spinach and set aside. Cook shrimp in garlic butter and set aside. Make a creamy Parmesan sauce in the same pan. Layer spinach, shrimp, and sauce in a dish. Top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and spinach? Yes. Thaw shrimp completely and pat dry. Frozen chopped spinach must be thoroughly thawed and squeezed of all excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick. You can also reduce the cheese amount slightly and use a lighter mozzarella blend.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What other cheeses can I use? Gruyère, fontina, or a sharp white cheddar are excellent for melting. For the topping, panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan add a nice crunch.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or in a covered skillet on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Sauté shrimp just until pink. They will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Watery Spinach: Failing to thoroughly drain thawed frozen spinach or using wet fresh spinach will make the sauce runny.
- Not Seasoning the Sauce: Taste and adequately season the cream sauce before assembling. The cheese adds saltiness, but the base sauce needs flavor.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking allows it to set, making serving cleaner.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Shrimp and Spinach Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that feels gourmet. Its combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is consistently crowd-pleasing. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for a weeknight treat or a dinner party centerpiece. Enjoy the delicious results!