This post may contains Amazon affiliate and other affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue to provide quality content. I only recommend products I personally trust and believe will add value to your experience. For more details, please visit my Privacy Policy.
Some comfort foods don’t come from childhood memories—they come from busy adult evenings when you want something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This Keto Shrimp & Cheese Casserole was born exactly from that place.
Shrimp cooks fast, cheese makes everything better, and casseroles solve the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question in one dish. The problem is that most shrimp casseroles rely on flour, breadcrumbs, or starchy sauces that don’t fit a keto lifestyle. I wanted something that felt indulgent and cozy but still stayed firmly low carb.
This recipe does exactly that.
It’s rich without being heavy, cheesy without being greasy, and comforting without knocking you out of ketosis. The shrimp stay tender, the sauce turns velvety, and the cheese bakes into that irresistible golden top that makes casseroles so satisfying.
If you love seafood, cheesy bakes, or one-dish keto dinners that feel special but are incredibly easy, this casserole is going to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This keto shrimp and cheese casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort:
- 🦐 Juicy, tender shrimp – Never rubbery or overcooked
- 🧀 Creamy, cheesy sauce – Rich and satisfying without flour
- 🥘 One-dish convenience – Easy prep, easy cleanup
- ⏱️ Quick cooking time – Perfect for weeknights
- 🥗 Low carb & keto-approved – No starch, no fillers
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly – Even seafood skeptics enjoy it
- ❄️ Meal-prep friendly – Reheats beautifully
- 💚 Comfort food without guilt – Filling but not heavy
My Personal Experience
The first time I made this casserole, it was purely practical. I had shrimp in the freezer, cheese in the fridge, and zero interest in cooking something complicated. I wanted dinner to feel comforting—but I didn’t want to think.
I tossed everything together, slid the dish into the oven, and honestly didn’t expect much.
But when I pulled it out, the top was bubbling and lightly golden, the kitchen smelled rich and savory, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. One bite was all it took. Creamy, cheesy, slightly garlicky, and deeply satisfying.
Since then, this recipe has become one of those dependable meals I make when:
- I want keto comfort food fast
- I’m tired of meat-heavy dinners
- I need something that reheats well
- I want a dish that feels indulgent but still light
It’s simple, reliable, and surprisingly elegant for how easy it is.
Required Equipment
Baking Dish
A medium-sized baking dish (8×8 or similar) works perfectly.
- Ensures even baking
- Keeps shrimp submerged in sauce
Skillet
Used to lightly cook the shrimp and aromatics.
- Prevents overcooking in the oven
Mixing Bowl
For combining the creamy cheese sauce.
Knife & Cutting Board
For prepping garlic and optional add-ins.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full Ingredient List (4 servings)
- 1½ lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Why Each Ingredient Matters
- Shrimp – Lean protein that cooks quickly
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor
- Heavy cream – Forms the base of the sauce
- Cream cheese – Thickens without flour
- Mozzarella & cheddar – Melt and create creaminess
- Parmesan – Adds sharpness and depth
- Garlic & spices – Balance the richness
Substitutions & Adjustments
- Shrimp → Use scallops or chunks of firm fish
- Mozzarella → Monterey Jack or provolone
- Cheddar → Gruyère or Swiss
- Cream cheese → Mascarpone
- Dairy-free → Coconut cream and dairy-free cheese (texture will change)
How to Make Keto Shrimp & Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps them sear properly and prevents excess moisture.
Step 2: Lightly Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the shrimp evenly in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the shrimp and gently stir to coat evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the shrimp beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp before baking
- Using low-fat dairy (won’t thicken properly)
- Skipping the resting time
- Overbaking until shrimp turn rubbery
- Adding too much liquid
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking
- Soften cream cheese fully
- Bake uncovered for best texture
- Add Parmesan on top for browning
Keto Benefits of Shrimp (Main Ingredient)
Shrimp are excellent for keto because they are:
- Naturally low carb
- High in protein
- Light but filling
- Quick to cook
- Easy to pair with fats
They balance rich sauces perfectly without feeling heavy.
Variations You Can Try
Spicy Shrimp Casserole
Add chili flakes or cayenne.
Garlic Butter Version
Increase butter and garlic for extra richness.
Spinach Shrimp Casserole
Add sautéed spinach for extra volume.
Air Fryer Method
Bake smaller portions at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Tips for This Recipe
- Serve hot for best texture
- Sauce thickens as it cools
- Great for leftovers
- Adjust cheese ratios to taste
Optional Additions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Chopped spinach
- Lemon zest
- Fresh herbs
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Simple keto salad
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Low-effort entertaining
- Meal prep
- Comfort-food cravings
Storage Recommendations
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 1 month (texture may soften slightly).
Reheating
- Oven at 325°F until warm
- Microwave gently, covered
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and dry completely first.
2. Will this taste fishy?
No, fresh shrimp and cheese balance well.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach or mushrooms work best.
4. Is it very rich?
Creamy but balanced—not overly heavy.
5. Does it reheat well?
Yes, especially in the oven.
6. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and bake later.
7. Is it kid-friendly?
Very mild and creamy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~38 g
- Fat: ~36 g
- Total Carbs: ~5 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Net Carbs: ~4 g
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: Keto / Comfort Food
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~480 per serving
Keto Shrimp & Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Shrimp raw, peeled & deveined – 1½ lbs (680 g)
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Heavy cream – 1 cup 240 ml
- Cream cheese softened – 4 oz (113 g)
Cheeses
- Mozzarella shredded – 1½ cups (170 g)
- Cheddar shredded – ½ cup (55 g)
- Parmesan grated – ¼ cup (25 g)
Garlic & Seasonings
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – ¼ teaspoon
- Optional chili flakes – ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels, then season them lightly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly firm. Do not fully cook them at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk or stir until smooth and lump-free. Add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and remaining seasonings. Mix well until everything is evenly combined into a thick, creamy cheese sauce.
- Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the partially cooked shrimp evenly across the bottom. Pour the cheese sauce over the shrimp, using a spatula to gently spread it so all the shrimp are coated and evenly distributed.
- Place the baking dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. The shrimp should be fully cooked but still tender.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the shrimp, making each serving rich, creamy, and perfectly textured.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
