Shrimp And Asparagus Casserole
A creamy shrimp and asparagus casserole that combines tender vegetables with succulent shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner or entertaining guests, this dish features a blend of flavors from Parmesan, white wine, and fresh asparagus, baked to golden perfection under a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen asparagus or 1.5 lb. fresh asparagus ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup light cream or half and half ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white wine or additional cream or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg yolk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. small or large shrimp, cut into pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for three minutes, then drain well.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in flour.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for one minute. Gradually add light cream or half and half and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in white wine or additional cream or chicken broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the beaten egg yolk, grated Parmesan cheese, and shrimp.
- Layer half of the cooked asparagus in a buttered casserole dish.
- Top with half of the shrimp mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining asparagus and shrimp mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of white wine. If you prefer a lighter dish, omit the buttered bread crumbs. Fresh asparagus works best, but frozen is a convenient substitute. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before adding them. For a twist, add a dash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully. For an elegant touch, serve alongside your favorite American recipes, such as a light pasta salad or seasonal roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Asparagus Casserole contains roughly 454 calories, with 14g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1393mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of seafood in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shrimp with crab or even scallops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafoods have varying cooking times. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without the bread crumbs, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, sprinkle the bread crumbs on top and bake as directed. This is a great way to save time, especially for gatherings.
What can I do if my casserole is too watery?
If your casserole turns out watery, you can return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to help evaporate excess moisture. Alternatively, consider adding a bit more flour during the sauce preparation to thicken it. Adjusting the cooking time can also help achieve a perfect consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).