Description
This Stuffed Shrimp Casserole captures all the gourmet flavors of traditional stuffed shrimp but presents them in an incredibly easy, “deconstructed” one-pan meal. This recipe takes tender shrimp and smothers them in a rich mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan, and buttery breadcrumbs. It creates a casserole that is savory, creamy, and crunchy all at once. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this dish promises high-end flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb Large Shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails off)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or standard)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped and divided
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the olive oil over the bottom of a baking dish (9×9 inch square or pie dish).
- Arrange the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Create the Stuffing: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and minced garlic until smooth. Fold in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. The texture should resemble wet sand.
- Assemble: Crumble or spread the stuffing mixture generously over the shrimp, creating a savory “blanket” over every piece.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the topping should be golden brown and bubbly. (Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning).
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and garnish with the remaining parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Dry Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels. Excess water will make the casserole soupy instead of creamy.
- Butterflying: If your shrimp are extra large, you can “butterfly” them to make them lay flatter, but leaving them whole works perfectly fine for this casserole.
- Texture Check: If the stuffing mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon more of melted butter.
- Broiling: If you use the broiler to crisp the top, watch it closely so the breadcrumbs don’t burn!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
