Best Cheesy Shrimp Bake – Easy One-Pan Dinner

There are some dishes that feel like a warm hug on a cold evening, and this Cheesy Shrimp Bake is exactly that. I first made it for a family gathering in the mountains, where the chill in the air called for something rich and satisfying. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and melted cheese bubbling in a casserole dish is pure comfort.

This recipe is inspired by the coastal flavors of my travels, where shrimp is often paired with garlic and herbs. I've taken those simple ingredients and turned them into a hearty bake that's perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The best part? It comes together in one dish, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying.

Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this cheesy shrimp bake is sure to become a favorite. It's easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to share.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Use fresh or frozen; if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry. For a sustainable choice, look for wild-caught shrimp.

2 cups (480ml) heavy cream

Half-and-half works for a lighter version, but heavy cream gives the richest texture. You can also use a dairy-free cream alternative.

1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. For a sharper flavor, try Pecorino Romano.

2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is great; for extra gooeyness, use low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella.

4 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is key. If you're in a rush, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder, but the flavor will be milder.

1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

This thickens the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch mixed with a little water.

2 tablespoons (28g) butter

Salted or unsalted both work; adjust salt in the recipe accordingly. Olive oil is a good substitute.

1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Low-sodium broth is best to control saltiness. You can use white wine for a more complex flavor.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste; if using salted butter, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground pepper adds a nice kick. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne.

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. Regular paprika is fine too.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Fresh herbs brighten the dish. Dried parsley can be used, but add it before baking.

Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. Bake just until they turn pink and opaque.

Thicken the sauce properly

Whisk the flour into the butter and cook for a minute before adding liquids to avoid lumps.

Let it rest

Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking so it sets and doesn't fall apart when served.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts to golden perfection.

2. Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. This releases the garlic's aromatic oils.

3. Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic-butter mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a base for the sauce.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine with Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Save the mozzarella for topping.

6. Add Shrimp and Transfer

Fold the shrimp into the sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

7. Top with Mozzarella

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, covering the shrimp completely. This creates a golden, bubbly crust.

8. Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for the shrimp. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

9. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Delicious Variations

• Swap the shrimp for cubed chicken or flaked white fish for a different protein.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Use a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan for a nuttier, more sophisticated flavor.

How to Store Cheesy Shrimp Bake In Casserole Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this cheesy shrimp bake brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try, and don't forget to share your own twists in the comments below. Happy cooking, and remember: go, see, and connect.

Cheesy Shrimp Bake In Casserole Dish

This cheesy shrimp bake in casserole dish is creamy, garlicky, and ready in 50 minutes. A comforting one-pan meal your family will love.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings510 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat the Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts to golden perfection.
2. 2Sauté the Garlic — In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned. This releases the garlic's aromatic oils.
3. 3Make the Roux — Sprinkle the flour over the garlic-butter mixture and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and forms a base for the sauce.
4. 4Add Liquids and Seasonings — Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5Combine with Cheese — Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. Save the mozzarella for topping.
6. 6Add Shrimp and Transfer — Fold the shrimp into the sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7. 7Top with Mozzarella — Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, covering the shrimp completely. This creates a golden, bubbly crust.
8. 8Bake Until Bubbly — Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for the shrimp. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. 9Garnish and Serve — Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking for a subtle kick. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 510 kcal · 28g protein · 12g carbs · 40g fat

Written by Aisha Hassan
Aisha writes about travel and cultural immersion, sharing stories and tips from her journeys to off-the-beaten-path destinations. She emphasizes respectful tourism, budget-friendly adventures, and the importance of connecting with local communities.