Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice

There’s something truly magical about a dish that effortlessly combines the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting simplicity of a casserole, and that’s exactly what you get with this Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole. Imagine tender shrimp, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and creamy cheese soup all coming together in one glorious dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a meal that will wow your taste buds and satisfy your soul.

I first discovered this Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole at a church potluck, where it stole the show and left me craving more. After getting the recipe from my mother-in-law, who has been perfecting it for years, I realized its true potential. The secret lies in letting the shrimp gently cook in the sauce, ensuring that each bite is tender and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering of friends, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite that never disappoints.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of a homemade meal that tastes like a warm hug from the South. This Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole is more than just food; it’s a celebration of good company, great flavors, and the simple pleasures that come from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire and your heart.

Quick Benefits

• Bold Cajun Flavors: Enjoy the authentic taste of New Orleans without the complexity.
• One-Dish Meal: A satisfying and hearty casserole that combines shrimp, vegetables, and creamy cheese in a single dish.
• Family-Friendly and Impressive: Simple enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough to serve when entertaining guests.
• Versatile and Forgiving: Easily customizable with variations like adding andouille sausage, and forgiving for novice cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice Recipe

• Bold Cajun Flavors: This recipe brings the vibrant and bold Cajun flavors right to your dinner table, perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
• One-Dish Meal: A complete meal in one dish, combining tender shrimp, seasoned vegetables, and creamy cheese soup, making it convenient for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Southern Comfort: Captures the authentic Southern taste in a simple yet impressive dish, appealing to both spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
• Family-approved: Tested and loved by a family, this casserole is a hit for gatherings and special occasions, making it a reliable go-to recipe.
• Tender Shrimp: Cooking the shrimp gently in the sauce ensures they stay tender and flavorful, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality standards.
• Versatile: Can be customized with additional ingredients like andouille sausage for extra protein and an authentic Louisiana taste, allowing for personalization.
• Make-ahead: Perfect for meal prep, this casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, ideal for planning ahead or enjoying leftovers.
• Easy to Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven, making it convenient for quick meals or serving a crowd.
• Crowd Pleaser: A reliable recipe that impresses without the need for complicated cooking techniques, suitable for both family dinners and entertaining guests with refined palates.

Ingredients for Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 10 oz bag frozen onion and pepper blend
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup butter
• 3½ cups cooked basmati rice

Seasonings

• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Creamy Base

• 10.5 oz can condensed golden mushroom soup
• 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup

How to Make Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice

Step 1: Prep and Start Vegetables

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add frozen onion and pepper blend, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté in butter for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add raw shrimp to the skillet with vegetables, stir to combine. Sprinkle celery salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper evenly, stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked.

Step 3: Add Rice and Soups

Combine both cans of condensed soup and cooked basmati rice, stirring until smooth and well mixed. Ensure the mixture is creamy yet not overly thick.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Sample the mixture and adjust seasonings to taste. Increase Cajun seasoning for spiciness, black pepper for richness, or celery salt for umami. Aim for a well-rounded seasoning with a pleasant Cajun flavor.

Step 5: Transfer and Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, ensuring to scrape the skillet. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden on top and bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 2 minutes after baking to thicken. Serve hot in bowls or on plates. The dish should have a creamy texture with tender shrimp evenly distributed.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. This dish reheats well and maintains its flavors, making it a convenient option for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.

The Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different preferences. For special occasions, consider garnishing each serving with chopped fresh green onions and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Additionally, you can enhance the casserole by adding cooked, sliced andouille sausage along with the shrimp for a boost of protein and authentic Louisiana taste. Whether serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is a reliable recipe that balances simplicity with sophisticated flavors, making it a delightful option for various occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make some ingredient substitutions for this Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole, there are a few options you can consider. Instead of using basmati rice, you can try using long-grain white rice or jasmine rice for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. For those who prefer a healthier alternative to butter, you can substitute olive oil or coconut oil in equal amounts. Additionally, if you don’t have access to frozen onion and pepper blend, you can chop fresh onions and bell peppers to use in the recipe instead.

To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, you can swap the shrimp for diced tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium content, consider using low-sodium condensed soups or make your own creamy sauce using a combination of milk or cream and cheese. For a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add in some crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add in your favorite vegetables like diced tomatoes, okra, or corn to customize the casserole to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering slices of ripe avocado on top of each portion of Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole before serving. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the avocado will complement the bold Cajun spices and rich cheese sauce, adding a fresh and colorful element to the dish.

Another fun idea is to serve the Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole in individual baked wonton cups. Simply press small square wonton wrappers into a mini muffin tin and bake until crispy. Fill each cup with a spoonful of the casserole mixture and top with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy all the flavors of the casserole in a fun and portable way.

FAQs for Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe as pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery when cooked again in the casserole. The raw shrimp will cook gently in the sauce during baking, ensuring they stay tender and flavorful.

Can I substitute the condensed soups with homemade versions?

While you can make your own golden mushroom and cheddar cheese soups from scratch, using the condensed canned versions adds convenience and a creamy texture to the casserole. If you prefer homemade soups, make sure they have a similar consistency to avoid altering the overall texture of the dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole actually keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions until heated through.

Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cooked, sliced andouille sausage along with the shrimp for extra protein and an authentic Louisiana flavor. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and savoring this delightful Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole as much as I do. It’s truly a dish that brings people together and leaves a lasting impression with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit and make you feel like a seasoned chef in the kitchen.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making each dish your own. Feel free to play around with the seasonings, add your favorite ingredients, or even create a vegetarian version by swapping out the shrimp for your choice of veggies or plant-based protein. The beauty of cooking is in the creativity and joy it brings, so don’t be afraid to make this Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole your signature dish that reflects your personal taste and style.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey, and I look forward to sharing more delicious recipes and kitchen adventures with you. Until next time, keep cooking with love and passion, and may every bite be as satisfying as a comforting spoonful of Cajun Shrimp Rice Casserole. Happy cooking!

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Casserole with Rice

A comforting Cajun shrimp rice casserole, bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining with Southern flair.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineCajun

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 generous servings)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 10 oz bag frozen onion and pepper blend
• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup butter
• 3½ cups cooked basmati rice

Seasonings

• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Creamy Base

• 10.5 oz can condensed golden mushroom soup
• 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Prep and Start Vegetables: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add frozen onion and pepper blend, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté in butter for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Add raw shrimp to the skillet with vegetables, stir to combine. Sprinkle celery salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper evenly, stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked.
3. Add Rice and Soups: Combine both cans of condensed soup and cooked basmati rice, stirring until smooth and well mixed. Ensure the mixture is creamy yet not overly thick.
4. Taste and Adjust: Sample the mixture and adjust seasonings to taste. Increase Cajun seasoning for spiciness, black pepper for richness, or celery salt for umami. Aim for a well-rounded seasoning with a pleasant Cajun flavor.
5. Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, ensuring to scrape the skillet. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden on top and bubbling around the edges.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 2 minutes after baking to thicken. Serve hot in bowls or on plates. The dish should have a creamy texture with tender shrimp evenly distributed.