Save This comforting Shrimp Alfredo Casserole brings together everything I crave in a crowd-pleasing dinner buttery shrimp, tender pasta, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce baked until the top is perfectly golden and bubbly. It makes a cozy weeknight meal but feels special enough for guests or celebratory occasions. If you are looking for a dish that satisfies creamy-cheesy cravings and feels doable on a busy night this is the casserole you need.
From my first attempt at this recipe my family absolutely raved about it and it quickly became a Sunday dinner tradition especially when we want something extra cozy but not complicated.
Ingredients
- Medium shrimp: brings sweet briny flavor and a tender bite look for wild-caught if possible and always peel and devein
- Penne or rotini pasta: holds sauce beautifully and keeps the casserole structure use high-quality semolina for best results
- Heavy cream: gives the Alfredo base its signature richness go for fresh cream with no additives
- Grated Parmesan cheese: brings sharpness and depth always choose real Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it yourself if you can
- Cream cheese: ensures silky texture and extra creaminess opt for block cream cheese and cube it for faster melting
- Unsalted butter: makes the base of the sauce and allows you to control the saltiness
- Garlic: fresh cloves are best for robust aroma and flavor no jarred substitutes
- Salt and black pepper: to season highlights the creamy flavors use fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- Ground nutmeg: subtle warmth and complexity totally optional but worth trying
- Frozen peas: add gentle sweetness and pop of color check that peas are bright and not freezer-burned
- Sun-dried tomatoes: optional for tangy-sweet bursts choose oil-packed drained for best texture
- Mozzarella cheese: shredded on top stretches and browns beautifully fresh or whole milk mozzarella works best
- Fresh parsley: adds bright color and herbal lift always use fresh leaves not dried
Each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. When you find really fresh shrimp and a block of good Parmesan it truly makes a difference.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F or 190°C and grease a 9x13inch baking dish evenly with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks during baking
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil add the pasta and cook until just al dente about one minute less than the package directs so it holds up in the casserole drain thoroughly and set aside
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter once foaming add minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until aromatic be careful not to let garlic brown
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp in a single layer cook for two to three minutes stirring once until each piece turns pink and opaque use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp to a plate and set aside so they do not overcook
- Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet with all those flavorful shrimp juices pour in the heavy cream and add cubed cream cheese stir gently over medium low heat until cream cheese is dissolved and mixture looks smooth
- Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- Add all but two tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese stir and cook another three to four minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon
- Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
- Season thoroughly with salt black pepper and a tiny pinch of nutmeg if using keep stirring to prevent the bottom scorching
- Combine the Casserole Mix:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold in the cooked shrimp peas and sun dried tomatoes if you love those briny tangy bites stir until everything is smoothly coated with sauce
- Transfer and Top:
- Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish and use a wide spatula to level the surface
- Transfer and Top:
- Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese and the reserved Parmesan evenly over the top for maximum golden crunch
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles around the edges and some spots turn golden brown
- Bake to Perfection:
- If needed broil for one to two minutes for an extra deeply browned top
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest out of the oven for at least five minutes then shower with fresh chopped parsley for brightness slice and serve while hot and creamy
Save Honestly my favorite part is the golden mozzarella cap when my son helps sprinkle the cheese I know he is just waiting for that first cheesy pull he insists on helping every single time
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For best texture reheat gently in a 325F oven covered with foil or microwave in short bursts with a splash of milk This casserole can be portioned and frozen Place individual servings in freezer safe containers for up to two months Let thaw overnight before reheating Add a little extra cream or splash of milk if the sauce tightens up after storing
Ingredient Substitutions
No shrimp Use cooked diced chicken or rot rotisserie chicken for a classic Alfredo bake Swap in gluten free penne or rotini for a wheat free version be sure to undercook the pasta slightly If you prefer lighter casseroles use half and half instead of all heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce For more vegetables try folding in steamed broccoli florets or a big handful of fresh spinach
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole straight from the oven with a crisp green salad lightly dressed and garlic bread for mopping up sauce Pairs well with a light Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a fresh sparkling lemonade for kids Great main for a potluck just cover with foil for easy transporting and reheating
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Shrimp Alfredo combines Italian technique with American comfort food spirit You will not find this exact casserole in Italy but it gives you that restaurant style Alfredo experience in a family friendly baked format In winter I love swapping the peas for roasted butternut squash cubes or in spring adding tender asparagus slices Use what is freshest and colorful at the market
Helpful Notes
Parboil pasta to just underdone to avoid soggy casserole Use the best Parmesan you can grate fresh for that nutty bite Broil briefly for deep golden and bubbly cheesy top
Success Stories
I made this for my neighbor after she welcomed a new baby and she raved about how it reheated perfectly Leftovers make the best lunchbox treat even my picky eater asks for a little extra for school If you are hosting a holiday this is an easy crowd pleaser everyone will ask for the recipe
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can easily assemble the casserole ahead Cover tightly and freeze unbaked for up to two months When ready to enjoy bake straight from frozen at 350F adding fifteen to twenty minutes to the bake time For best results top with cheese right before baking Always thaw overnight in the fridge for most even baking if possible
Save This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying Shrimp Alfredo Casserole!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Sauté shrimp just until pink—typically 2–3 minutes—then remove promptly to keep them tender when baked.
- → Can I substitute another protein for shrimp?
Yes, cooked diced chicken is an excellent alternative and works well with the creamy Alfredo base.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their shape holds sauce well, but ziti or fusilli can also be used.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or chopped bell peppers for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use for the topping?
Try a blend of provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile atop your casserole.
- → Is this dish suitable to prepare ahead?
Assemble everything ahead of time and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve for easy meal prep.