🦐 Creamy Shrimp Rice Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Dish Using Leftovers!

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Got leftover rice in the fridge? Transform it into a show-stopping dish with this Creamy Shrimp Rice Bake! Bursting with tender shrimp, melty cheese, and a rich creamy sauce, this one-pan wonder is as comforting as it is crave-worthy. Whether you're feeding the family or hosting guests, this is the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is secretly super simple. Bonus: it’s a great way to clean out your fridge while still impressing everyone at the table. 🙌

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 800g (1.75 lb) shrimp, cleaned and deveined

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)

For the Creamy Rice:

  • 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • 200g diced ham

  • 130g peas (plus an optional extra 130g for more veggie goodness)

  • 200g diced mozzarella cheese

  • 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream

  • 200g (1 tub) cream cheese

  • 600g (about 4 cups) cooked rice (preferably day-old)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

  • 100g sliced mozzarella cheese

  • 50g (1.75 oz) crispy potato sticks (batata palha-style)

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate & Cook the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with:

  • Lemon juice

  • Salt, pepper

  • 1 tsp garlic

Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Then in a large pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté the shrimp (add 2 more minced garlic cloves if desired) just until pink and cooked through. Don’t overcook – they’ll finish in the oven!

2. Make the Creamy Filling

To the same pan, add:

  • 200g diced ham

  • 200g diced mozzarella

  • 130g peas

  • 200g cream cheese

  • 240ml heavy cream

Stir over medium heat until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine with Rice & Bake

Add 600g cooked rice to the creamy shrimp mixture.
Mix thoroughly so all the grains are coated in the cheesy sauce.
Pour into a greased baking dish.

Top with:

  • 100g sliced mozzarella

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

4. Top and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle generously with:

  • 50g crispy potato sticks

Serve hot and creamy. Pair with a fresh salad if you're feeling fancy! 🥗

💡 Pro Tips

✨ Make it your own – Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or corn for more veggies.
🧄 Garlic boost – Love garlic? Add an extra clove while cooking the shrimp.
🧀 Cheese swap – Use cheddar or gouda if mozzarella isn’t on hand.
🌿 Garnish magic – Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
🥗 Serve it with – A crisp green salad or roasted veggies balance the richness beautifully.

🏆 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🕒 Quick & Easy – From fridge to table in under 45 minutes

  • ♻️ Zero Waste – Perfect use for leftover rice

  • 🍤 Crowd-Pleaser – Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor

  • 🧀 Comfort Food Goals – Like a seafood mac and cheese with a rice twist

  • 🍽️ Great for Guests – Fancy enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weekdays

📌 FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and pat dry before marinating.

What kind of rice works best?
Day-old white rice is ideal. Jasmine or basmati also work – just avoid sticky varieties.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate. Just bake right before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version?
You can skip the shrimp and ham, and boost with mushrooms, broccoli, or extra cheese.

What are crispy potato sticks?
They’re thin, fried potato slivers – often sold as “batata palha” or potato shoestrings. Found in Latin markets or online.

📢 Share Your Experience!

Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out!
📸 Snap a pic, tag @onesnaprecipes on Instagram, or drop a comment below with your twist!
💬 Questions? Ask away – I’m always here to help make your kitchen life easier and tastier. 🍽️

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