Shrimp Spinach Three Cheese Casserole

This Shrimp and Spinach Casserole with Three-Cheese Blend is my favorite answer for what to make when I want comfort food packed with fresh flavor and easy elegance. The mix of creamy cheeses, juicy shrimp, and tender spinach is irresistible but not fussy. It is quick to prepare and always makes everyone at my table ask for seconds.

I first whipped this up for my sister’s birthday on a busy weeknight and she said it was the best comfort food she had all year. Since then it has become our go-to winter dish to relax and indulge a little.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: fresh or frozen and thawed fast cooking and adds a mild brininess that balances the cheese
• Fresh spinach: brings color and nutrients I choose pre-washed baby spinach for convenience
• Ricotta cheese: for creaminess and richness always check for a brand with simple ingredients
• Mozzarella cheese: melty and stretchy texture choose whole milk for flavor
• Parmesan cheese: nutty and salty try grating your own from a wedge for the freshest taste
• Garlic: gives aromatic depth I prefer peeling fresh cloves over pre-minced
• Olive oil: helps sauté aromatics while adding a subtle richness a good extra virgin makes a difference
• Salt: essential for seasoning
• Black pepper: sharpens the savory notes
• Red pepper flakes: optional for a gentle heat use sparingly or skip if cooking for kids
• Breadcrumbs: create a crispy golden topping homemade or panko both work well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Preheat:

Get your oven heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a medium casserole dish so nothing sticks later

Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet Add the minced garlic and cook gently just until it smells fragrant about 1 minute Stir constantly so it does not burn

Wilt the Spinach:

Add the chopped spinach to the pan with garlic Keep stirring until fully wilted This usually takes about 2 minutes It is okay if there is some moisture but try to cook off any excess

Mix the Cheeses and Seasonings:

In a big bowl stir together ricotta mozzarella and Parmesan cheese using just half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan for the filling Add salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using to taste

Fold in Shrimp and Spinach:

Add the wilted spinach and raw shrimp into the cheese mixture Mix until everything is coated evenly Make sure shrimp is distributed so every scoop gets some

Fill the Casserole Dish:

Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish Smooth the top with a spoon so it bakes evenly

Add Toppings:

Scatter the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top Sprinkle with breadcrumbs making sure it covers the cheese in a light layer

Bake to Golden Brown:

Slide the casserole into the oven Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling at the edges and the topping turns golden brown Let it rest out of the oven for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets for easier scooping

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The combination of Parmesan with spinach is what I look forward to every time The way the baked cheese gets nutty at the edges reminds me of Sunday dinners when my mom would sneak spinach into almost any dish for a touch of green no one could resist

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers cool them to room temperature before covering tightly and refrigerating This casserole keeps up to three days Reheat covered in the oven so it does not dry out or microwave individual portions for quick lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of shrimp try diced cooked chicken or drained canned white beans for a different protein Mozzarella can be swapped with provolone and you can add a handful of chopped sun dried tomatoes for extra flavor Spinach works well but kale or even Swiss chard are great if that is what you have

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce For a special dinner serve with a cold glass of white wine and a lemon wedge to squeeze over just before serving

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Cultural Context

Inspired by classic Italian American casseroles this dish gives a fresh seafood spin to traditional baked cheesy pasta It is a perfect match of coastal shrimp recipes and comforting Northern casseroles the best of both worlds

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

→ Is it possible to substitute another leafy green for spinach?

You can use kale or Swiss chard, but cook them until tender before adding to the mix.

→ What cheeses can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or soft goat cheese work well as alternatives if ricotta is unavailable.

→ How do I achieve a crisp topping?

Mix a little olive oil or melted butter with the breadcrumbs and spread evenly before baking.

→ Can the casserole be made ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready to serve for best texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with a light green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors.