If you’re looking for an elegant seafood dish that doubles as an easy dinner idea for busy weeknights, this Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole delivers everything you love about restaurant-quality seafood without the cost or complexity. Tender, juicy shrimp are blanketed with a rich, buttery breadcrumb topping infused with garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and cream cheese. As it bakes, the casserole becomes golden, crispy, and irresistibly aromatic—making it one of the best simple family recipes for seafood lovers.
This dish blends the richness of classic stuffed shrimp with the ease of a one-pan bake, making it a perfect combination of healthy cooking at home and indulgent comfort. The cream cheese adds silky richness, while lemon zest, garlic, and fresh parsley brighten each bite with fresh, vibrant flavor. Whether you’re searching for affordable meals, quick weeknight recipes, or elegant seafood entrees for entertaining, this baked shrimp casserole is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A simple, beginner-friendly seafood dish that feels gourmet
Quick prep, easy cleanup, and perfect for busy weeknights
Packed with protein and made with wholesome, healthy ingredients
Great for meal prep recipes and leftover-friendly lunches
Versatile enough for holidays, dinner parties, or easy dinner for beginners
A budget-friendly alternative to stuffed lobster or restaurant-style shrimp entrées

Ingredient Breakdown:

Breadcrumbs – Provide a crispy topping and satisfying texture that balances the tenderness of the shrimp. A key ingredient for anyone who loves comfort food casseroles.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory depth and helps bind the topping. Parmesan is one of the best cheeses for cooking due to its strong umami flavor and excellent browning ability.
Cream Cheese (softened) – Gives creamy richness to the breadcrumb mixture and helps it adhere beautifully to the shrimp. It creates that irresistible, velvety texture comfort food lovers crave.
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star ingredient, offering sweet, succulent seafood flavor. A lean, healthy ingredient packed with protein.
Unsalted Butter (melted) – Helps crisp the breadcrumb topping and adds buttery richness, essential for a restaurant-style finish.
Garlic (minced) – Provides an aromatic base and enhances every component of the casserole.
Lemon Zest – Adds brightness and a fresh citrus lift that keeps the casserole from feeling heavy.
Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Introduces freshness, color, and a subtle herbal note.
Paprika – Offers mild warmth and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
Salt and Black Pepper – Balance and enhance all flavors in the dish.
Olive Oil – A final drizzle that promotes browning and adds flavor depth.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds a burst of brightness right before serving and complements the shrimp perfectly.
These ingredients work together to create a harmonious balance of texture, richness, freshness, and gentle spice—making this casserole an ideal example of healthy recipes for families who enjoy seafood.

Pro Tips

Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp also work well for budget-friendly groceries.
Dry the shrimp thoroughly before adding them to the dish—excess moisture can dilute flavor and soften the topping.
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for a more intense, savory taste and smoother melt.
Add a splash of white wine to the pan before baking for restaurant-level flavor depth.
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the final 2 minutes of cooking.
These healthy cooking tips and easy meal prep hacks ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a quick and easy gluten-free recipe.
Low-Carb Dinner Idea: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly swap.
Dairy-Free Substitute: Use dairy-free Parmesan and vegan cream cheese to accommodate dietary needs.
Add Spice: Mix in cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or hot paprika for a spicier twist.
Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped spinach or artichokes into the mixture for a healthy recipe alternative.
These budget-friendly substitutions make the dish adaptable for different diets, taste preferences, and household needs.

Serving Suggestions:

This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of healthy meal pairings and easy party food ideas.

Garlic butter rice or lemon herb quinoa
Roasted asparagus, green beans, or steamed broccoli
Fresh garden salads with citrus vinaigrette
Baked potatoes or creamy mashed cauliflower
Crusty baguette or garlic bread for soaking up the flavorful juices
If serving for a gathering, offer it alongside shrimp cocktail, crab dip, or charcuterie for a seafood-forward celebration.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

This casserole is an excellent candidate for meal prep ideas and leftover recipe hacks.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the casserole unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes to preserve texture, or microwave gently for quick healthy lunch prep.
These strategies make it easy to enjoy seafood meals all week long without added stress.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Stuffed shrimp is a beloved classic in coastal American comfort food, especially in New England and Gulf Coast regions where seafood traditions run deep. This casserole-style version draws inspiration from historic holiday dinner recipes where stuffed lobster and stuffed shrimp were served for celebrations and family gatherings. By transforming the traditional method into a simple casserole, this recipe offers a modern, accessible twist on a timeless classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely—use reduced-fat cream cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, or gluten-free alternatives.
What substitutions can I use for allergies or dietary preferences?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, dairy-free cheese, or switch to a keto topping like crushed pork rinds.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw thoroughly and pat dry for best texture.
These easy cooking tips ensure success no matter your kitchen experience.