Few things in the kitchen are as comforting and delectable as a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings everyone to the table. Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend is a mouthwatering, family-friendly dish that combines ocean-fresh shrimp, vibrant spinach, and a ridiculously luscious trio of cheeses in every bite. Imagine the creamy sauce bubbling around plump shrimp and wilted greens, topped with a golden, cheesy crust—irresistibly inviting! I first whipped up this casserole after a busy weekday and was amazed that something so simple could be such a showstopper. If you’re looking to please picky eaters or impress guests with minimal fuss, this casserole nails it every time. It’s like my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake, beloved by readers for its ease and rich taste, but with a splash of coastal flair. Dive right in—you’ll be hooked!
What is Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend?
What’s in a name? In this case: everything delicious under the sun! Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend might sound like a mouthful, but it pretty much tells you what you’re sinking your teeth into. Who could resist the call of plump shrimp, fresh spinach, and not just one, but three cheeses? I sometimes joke that this recipe’s name is only missing “made with love” because, you know, the way to a man’s heart is definitely through his stomach (and let’s be honest, it works wonders for everyone else, too!). Treat yourself and your loved ones—give this playful, flavor-packed casserole a place on your table tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Shrimp and Spinach Casserole
The magic of this Shrimp and Spinach Casserole lies in its creamy, melty three-cheese blend—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—that perfectly envelops the tender shrimp and vibrant spinach. Making this dish at home is a true wallet-saver; restaurant-style seafood casseroles can be pricey, but with a handful of simple ingredients and less time than takeout, you’ll have a gourmet meal everyone will rave about. What really sets this casserole apart are the savory toppings—a crispy breadcrumb finish and a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. If you’ve tried my Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells, you’ll appreciate the similar gooey, cheesy goodness with a delightful seafood twist! Give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how effortless and delicious homemade comfort food can be.
How to Make
Quick Overview: Easy, Cheesy, and Satisfying
This casserole is a breeze to assemble, with layers of juicy shrimp, bright spinach, and a gloriously creamy three-cheese blend. The secret? A ricotta base that keeps every bite luxuriously soft, while a Parmesan-mozzarella topping ensures the best golden, bubbly finish. You’ll only need about 15 minutes of prep time and another 25-30 minutes in the oven—dinner on the table in under an hour, start to finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy meal with minimal cleanup, this dish delivers big flavor and big smiles every time.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Spinach Casserole
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a smooth cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and sautéed spinach, ensuring the shrimp is coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Top with an even layer of breadcrumbs for a golden and crispy finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
What to Serve With
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but it shines even brighter with simple, complementary sides. Try serving it with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness and adds freshness to your meal. For a heartier dinner, serve alongside rice pilaf or herbed quinoa. And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to round out your feast!
Top Tips for Perfecting
Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, or swap in pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just reduce the baking time by 5 minutes. Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you want to twist up the greens. For extra indulgence, use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy topping. Don’t overbake! Shrimp cooks quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long in the oven. Add a handful of sundried tomatoes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique flavor boost.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes until heated through. Planning to freeze? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating as above. Casserole night just got even easier!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before adding to the cheese mixture.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Be sure to cook the spinach until most of the liquid evaporates, and drain the shrimp if needed before mixing.
What other vegetables can I add?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even chopped artichokes for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something irresistibly tasty and comforting. With succulent shrimp, fresh greens, and gooey cheese all under a golden, crispy crust, this dish is an instant hit—perfect for any night of the week or any gathering. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Don’t forget to explore other cozy casserole favorites on the blog! Gather your ingredients and enjoy a memorable, delicious dinner tonight.
Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a smooth cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and sautéed spinach, ensuring the shrimp is coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Top with an even layer of breadcrumbs for a golden and crispy finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.