First Step: Season and Cook the Shrimp Begin by lightly seasoning the 2 lb of raw large shrimp with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside to rest, preventing them from overcooking later.

Second Step: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Toss in the thinly sliced bell peppers and red onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Next, stir in the 2 cups of sliced okra and the 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for another 3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. This step builds flavor and adds nutritious elements to your Cajun shrimp pasta bake.

Third Step: Make the Alfredo Sauce In a separate saucepan, melt 1 Tbsp of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the 4 pressed garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, stirring to release their aroma. Whisk in the 3 Tbsp of all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, then gradually add 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock followed by 1 cup of 2% milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it thickens nicely. For dietary tweaks, use non-dairy milk here if needed. Stir in the 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 Tbsp of Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 tsp of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat once combined, creating a creamy base for this easy Cajun shrimp casserole.

Fourth Step: Combine and Assemble the Casserole In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, sautéed vegetables, 5 cups of cooked rice, and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated, ensuring the flavors meld well. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.

Final Step: Finish and Serve Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top if desired, then bake the casserole at 350°F for 15 minutes until the surface is lightly golden and heated through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. This quick Cajun shrimp alfredo casserole dinner serves 8 and reheats well, making it great for meal prep or busy families. For variations, consider adding grilled shrimp taco ideas from our site to adapt this recipe further.