There’s nothing quite as satisfying as gathering around the table with a bubbling-hot Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta, especially when you want to serve something that’s hearty, full of flavor, and a breeze to throw together. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp and earthy mushrooms tangled with pasta, all bathed in a luscious, melty Velveeta cheese sauce that gets a gentle kick from salsa. This one-pot wonder practically guarantees empty plates, and it’s a dish I keep coming back to whenever those cheesy, cozy cravings strike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta is how it turns just a handful of familiar ingredients into something truly craveable. Each component has its role—whether adding creaminess, bite, or a sparkle of spice—so don’t skip or skimp!
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Provides that perfect al dente backdrop and soaks up all the cheesy sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp without overwhelming their flavors.
- Fresh garlic: A must for savoriness—use a garlic press for big flavor in every bite!
- Shrimp: The shining star—choose peeled, deveined shrimp for the easiest prep, and don’t overcook!
- Velveeta: The miracle ingredient that melts like a dream, creating a smooth, creamy sauce no one can resist.
- Salsa: Brings a tangy zip and a personal twist—choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
- Mushrooms: Add a satisfying, meaty texture and earthy flavor, balancing out the rich cheese beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (for topping): Delivers that delicious, golden crunch when baked on top.
How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
Start this flavorful journey by cooking your pasta according to package directions. Remember to liberally salt the boiling water, so each bite of noodle comes alive with flavor. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain it well and set aside—you’ll want those strands ready to soak up all the good stuff later.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the pressed garlic and give it a quick swirl, just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Toss in the shrimp and sauté only until they’re just pink and opaque—usually two to three minutes does the trick. Take care not to overcook, since you want your shrimp tender and juicy, not rubbery!
Step 3: Melt the Velveeta and Salsa
Cube up the Velveeta and drop it into a microwave-safe bowl. Pour the salsa right over the top for an instant flavor party! Microwave on high in 30-second bursts, stirring after each session, until you’ve got a dreamy, smooth cheese sauce with little flecks of salsa throughout. You’ll be tempted to grab a spoon and taste it (go ahead, I won’t tell!).
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now the magic happens: In a large, oven-safe bowl or casserole dish (preferably bowl-shaped rather than flat, so everything stays juicy), combine your cooked pasta, garlicky shrimp, velvety cheese sauce, and mushrooms. Toss gently so every noodle and shrimp is coated in that oozy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle a nice layer of Parmesan cheese over the whole dish for that classic crispy, golden crust. Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven. Let it bake for 45–60 minutes, giving the top time to brown and everything else plenty of time to mingle and meld together. When the Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta is bubbling and beautifully golden, you know it’s done!
How to Serve Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta
Garnishes
Serve your Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta with a flourish of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or chives, to brighten up the richness. A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon over each serving can add a lovely finishing touch and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is creamy and comforting, pair it with something crisp and green, like a simple mixed salad tossed with vinaigrette or lightly roasted broccoli. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also excellent for soaking up every last drop of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, I love bringing the entire Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta right to the table and letting everyone dig in. For parties, try dividing the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for adorable, single-serve portions. Or, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, veggie-packed twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta should be cooled completely, then transferred to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen as it sits, making the next-day leftovers just as dreamy!
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole for up to two months. For best results, cool completely, cut into meal-sized pieces, and wrap tightly in foil before placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for maximum creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until piping hot—usually 15 to 20 minutes does it. If it appears a little dry, stir in a splash of milk before baking to refresh that luscious sauce. You can also microwave single portions, adding a bit of liquid to help the cheese stay saucy.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shrimp, just toss them in at the assembly step rather than sautéing, and reduce their oven time so they don’t get too firm. It’s a great shortcut and works just as well.
Is it possible to make Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta spicier?
You bet—you control the heat with the salsa you choose. Opt for a hot salsa or add a minced jalapeño to the cheese sauce if you really want to up the spice factor. Red pepper flakes sprinkled on top are also a fun addition.
What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped onions, sautéed bell peppers, diced carrots, small broccoli florets, or even cauliflower work beautifully. Just be sure to sauté or steam harder veggies until tender before mixing them in.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?
While Velveeta delivers that signature smooth, creamy texture, you can experiment by swapping in equal parts cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a different style of cheese sauce. It might not be quite as silky, but it brings a lovely richness.
How do I prevent the noodles from drying out while baking?
The shape of your casserole dish matters! Use a deeper, bowl-shaped oven-safe dish rather than a flat pan, which helps lock in moisture. If your casserole looks dry mid-bake, loosely tent it with foil or stir in a splash of milk.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta is the answer. With its ultra-creamy sauce, plump shrimp, and irresistible golden crust, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised by how quickly it disappears!
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Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 people
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This warm and creamy shrimp casserole recipe is the perfect comfort food for dinner! It’s a one pot dish full of shrimp, noodles, and mushrooms in a cheesy Velveeta sauce. Yum!
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pasta:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1-2 tablespoons
Garlic:
3 cloves, pressed
Shrimp:
2 pounds
Velveeta:
1 pound
Salsa:
12-16 ounces
Mushrooms:
16 ounces
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- Saute Shrimp: In a pan, sauté shrimp and garlic in olive oil until shrimp is just pink.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Cube Velveeta, place in a microwave-safe bowl, add salsa, microwave and stir until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: In an oven-safe bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, cheese mixture, and mushrooms. Toss to coat.
- Bake: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, then bake for 45-60 minutes until browned and crunchy.
Notes
- Cook the casserole in a bowl-shaped dish to prevent noodles from drying out.
- Experiment with adding fresh veggies like carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and onion.
- Vary spiciness by using different types of salsa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1207mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
