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A bubbling shrimp casserole in a baking dish

Classic Herb & Garlic Shrimp Casserole

This classic herb and garlic shrimp casserole features tender shrimp in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5-2 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined medium to large
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves minced
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish (if not using oven-safe skillet)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels, ensuring frozen shrimp are fully thawed.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then cook the chopped onion and celery until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until the sauce thickens and gently simmers, ensuring no lumps.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper, along with 1 tsp dried dill and 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, mixing well.
  6. Gently fold in the raw shrimp, stirring just until they are coated in the sauce.
Baking
  1. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Combine panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly, shrimp are opaque, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.