This Easy Seafood Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and delicious dish that combines your favorite seafood with a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. It’s quick to prepare and makes a great dinner for family meals or special occasions. The blend of shrimp, crab, and fish in a creamy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
It’s a simple, one-dish meal with a luxurious, creamy texture
Loaded with flavorful seafood and melted cheese
Easy to make in under an hour, perfect for busy nights
Great for special occasions or a seafood-themed dinner
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of the ingredients. For the full list and measurements, be sure to check the recipe card below.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Crab meat (canned or fresh)
- White fish (such as cod or haddock)
- Cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream or mayonnaise
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Prepare the Seafood
In a medium pan, sauté the shrimp and white fish in a little butter or oil until just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes for the shrimp. Break the fish into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, fish, and crab meat, stirring to mix.
Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (or mayonnaise), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the seafood mixture and pour in the sauce. Gently stir everything together until the seafood and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot! This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
For extra flavor, sauté some onions and garlic in butter before adding the seafood.
Use a variety of seafood for more complexity—lobster or scallops would make a great addition.
If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Swap the pasta: Try using rice or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
Add veggies: Add peas, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole for a boost of vegetables.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Easy Seafood Casserole with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or serve with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the seafood flavors nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven will help keep the casserole’s texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the seafood before using it in the recipe. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup, or make your own creamy base using heavy cream and a bit of flour for thickening.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Conclusion
This Easy Seafood Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful seafood. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious ingredients, and is sure to become a favorite dinner recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special gathering, this dish brings the taste of the ocean to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Seafood Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Seafood Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish filled with shrimp, scallops, and other seafood, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy seafood in a casserole form, perfect for dinner or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab meat)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the cooked seafood mixture to the bowl and gently mix until the seafood is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the seafood mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite seafood combination, such as lobster, fish fillets, or shrimp only.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- For an extra crispy topping, add a little more butter to the breadcrumbs before baking.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg