Description
This Shrimp and Macaroni Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that blends tender shrimp, gooey cheese, and fresh spinach with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Essential Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1½ cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
Optional Add-Ons:
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sautéed onions
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp and garlic: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and half and half. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, remaining butter (melted), cooked macaroni, spinach, and cooked shrimp.
- Combine and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheese if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just make sure not to overcook them in the skillet.
- Frozen spinach should be thawed and drained well before using.
- For added flavor, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: shrimp and macaroni casserole, cheesy shrimp pasta bake, seafood casserole, comfort food, weeknight dinner