Get ready to bring the vibrant, bold flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen with this incredible Cajun Shrimp Casserole! This hearty dish combines succulent shrimp, tender rice, and crisp vegetables, all baked in a rich, creamy, and spicy sauce. It’s a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner, a lively potluck, or any time you crave a taste of authentic Cajun comfort food.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of meals that deliver big on flavor and warmth with minimal fuss, and this Cajun Shrimp Casserole absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is the way it marries the sweetness of the shrimp with the bold, smoky kick of Cajun seasoning and a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s a perfect blend of textures—tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and tender-crisp vegetables, all baked into one cohesive, comforting dish. It feels incredibly indulgent and deeply satisfying, yet it’s wonderfully straightforward to assemble, making it a fantastic go-to for busy evenings or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked white rice (leftover or freshly cooked)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste/spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the casserole.
- Cooked Rice: Leftover cooked rice (white or brown) is perfect for this casserole. If cooking fresh, ensure it’s cooled slightly before mixing.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides a creamy, savory base and helps bind the casserole. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be used as alternatives.
- Milk: Whole milk will contribute to the creamiest sauce.
- Bell Pepper & Onion: Any color bell pepper works well. Dice them uniformly so they cook evenly and blend into the casserole.
- Cajun Seasoning: The spice level of Cajun seasoning can vary widely between brands. Start with 1.5 tablespoons and taste, then add more if you prefer a bolder or spicier flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for extra heat.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a classic sharp flavor and melts beautifully. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- Aromatics: Freshly diced onion and minced garlic build a robust flavor foundation.
- Add-ins (Optional): For extra heartiness, consider adding ½ cup of cooked and sliced smoked sausage (like Andouille) or corn kernels. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add umami.
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables & Season Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened. Add the minced garlicand cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and toss to coat the shrimp and veggies evenly.
2. Prepare Creamy Sauce Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soupand ½ cup milk until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the 2 cups cooked white rice to the bowl with the creamy soup mixture. Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and vegetable mixture from the skillet to the bowl with the rice and soup. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the Cajun Shrimp Casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutesbefore serving. This helps the casserole set for easier scooping. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and savor every delicious, comforting bite!
Tips for Success
- Prep All Ingredients: Have your vegetables diced, shrimp peeled, and rice cooked before you start; this casserole comes together quickly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. They will continue to cook in the oven, so they don’t need to be fully cooked in the skillet, just partially cooked or sautéed with the seasoning.
- Season Generously: Cajun seasoning is key for flavor. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Softened Soup/Cream Cheese: If your cream of mushroom soup is very cold and thick, you can briefly warm it with the milk before mixing to ensure a smoother sauce.
- Rest Casserole: Allowing it to rest briefly after baking helps the cheese and ingredients set for cleaner scoops.
- Serve Warm: This casserole is best served warm when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are melded.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cajun Shrimp Casserole is a hearty and complete meal on its own, perfect for various casual occasions.
- Side Dishes: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Southern Spread: It fits perfectly into a Southern-themed meal. Consider pairing with a bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort or Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage Foil Pack for a full spread (adjust portions of each for variety).
- Beverages: A cold beer, sweet iced tea, or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors beautifully.
- For other creamy, flavorful shrimp or seafood dishes, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque
- Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta
- Spicy Mango Shrimp Risotto
- Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne (for a different creamy seafood pasta).
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole is fantastic for making ahead, and leftovers are a treat!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-3) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a crispier top, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp Casserole is a truly delightful and comforting dish that brings the bold, spicy, and creamy flavors of the South to your table with remarkable ease. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, promising warmth and deliciousness in every single bite. Get ready to indulge in this fantastic bake!
What are your go-to casserole recipes for feeding a crowd, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your Cajun dishes extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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