There’s nothing quite like a hearty, bubbling Seafood Alfredo Casserole fresh from the oven, its creamy sauce mingling with tender seafood and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making even the busiest weeknight feel like a special occasion. If you love comforting dishes, you might also enjoy this French Onion Chicken Casserole for another family favorite!

I remember watching my mom stir big pots of soup, the steam fogging up the kitchen windows, and that feeling of anticipation is exactly what I aim for with my own cooking. This casserole brings back those cozy memories, blending familiar flavors with a touch of elegance.

This recipe proves that indulgent meals can be incredibly simple to create, bringing a comforting warmth to your family table with minimal fuss. My secret? Don’t overthink it; good food comes from the heart, not just complicated steps.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This Seafood Alfredo Casserole gets its incredible depth from plump shrimp, delicate scallops, and a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting blend, much like a classic John Wayne Casserole. All measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Seafood Alfredo Casserole

Crafting this delightful Seafood Alfredo Casserole begins with pasta and oven prep. Quickly sauté the shrimp and scallops, then whip up a luscious Alfredo sauce. Combine everything into a baking dish, add the topping, and bake to a golden, bubbly masterpiece. It’s wonderfully rewarding, almost as satisfying as Tuna Noodle Casserole.

A close-up shot of a white baking dish brimming with a creamy Seafood Alfredo Casserole, featuring fettuccine pasta and seasoned shrimp.

Decadent Seafood Alfredo Casserole

Indulge in a rich and creamy Seafood Alfredo Casserole, featuring tender pasta, a medley of shrimp and scallops, all baked in a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce with a golden, cheesy topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz Fettuccine or Penne pasta uncooked

For the Seafood

1 tbsp Olive oil
1 lb Large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
12 oz Bay scallops patted dry
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/4 tsp Black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup Unsalted butter
3 cloves Garlic minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup All-purpose flour
2.5 cups Heavy cream
1 cup Whole milk
1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste

For the Topping

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Large Pot
Large Skillet
Whisk
9x13 inch Baking Dish
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

Prepare Pasta & Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Cook Seafood

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and scallops, season with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and scallops are opaque. Do not overcook. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and melted.

Assemble Casserole

Add the cooked pasta and the cooked seafood to the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.

Add Topping & Bake

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the Alfredo sauce after the flour, letting it reduce slightly before adding the cream and milk. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You can customize the seafood by adding crab meat, mussels, or clams, ensuring they are cooked appropriately before adding to the sauce.

Pro Tips for Making This Seafood Alfredo Casserole

Making a Seafood Alfredo Casserole should be a joy, not a chore! Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to make yours absolutely perfect every time.

Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Shrimp and scallops cook quickly, so a light sear is all they need before going into the casserole. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, staying tender and juicy.
The Sauce is Key: Take your time with the Alfredo sauce. Whisk it well to avoid lumps, ensuring it’s silky smooth and richly flavored. This forms the heart of your casserole.
My Secret Trick: I always grate fresh Parmesan cheese just before adding it to the sauce and topping. The flavor is so much more vibrant and melts beautifully, giving this dish an irresistible finish.

Fun Variations for Seafood Alfredo Casserole

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own, and this Seafood Alfredo Casserole is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing, just like we sometimes swap ingredients in our favorite Beef Macaroni Casserole.

Add Some Veggies: Stir in some blanched broccoli florets, tender asparagus spears, or sautéed spinach right before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra goodness!
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the Alfredo sauce will give it a delightful kick. My family sometimes requests this, especially during colder months.
Change the Pasta: While fettuccine or penne are classics, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Rigatoni or farfalle would work beautifully too.
Different Seafood: Not a fan of scallops? Try crab meat, chunks of white fish, or even lobster for a truly decadent twist. Always make sure your seafood cooks through properly.

What to Serve With Seafood Alfredo Casserole

This rich and creamy Seafood Alfredo Casserole is quite the star, so I like to pair it with sides that complement without overpowering.

Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness. It adds a lovely freshness to the meal.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Loaf: You simply must have something to sop up every last bit of that delicious Alfredo sauce!
Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Lightly steamed vegetables offer a vibrant contrast and a healthy balance to this comforting dish.

My personal tip? Always warm the plates before serving. It keeps everything cozy and delicious longer!

How to Store Seafood Alfredo Casserole

Having leftovers of this amazing Seafood Alfredo Casserole is always a win! Properly stored, it makes for delightful lunches or easy dinners.

For the fridge, transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. When reheating, I always suggest doing it slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring that luscious sauce back to life. Or, you can pop it in the microwave on a lower power setting, stirring occasionally. Freezing isn’t ideal for the texture of the sauce and seafood, but if you must, aim for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.

Nutritional Benefits

This Seafood Alfredo Casserole isn’t just about comfort; it brings some good-for-you elements to the table too! With lean protein from the shrimp and scallops, plus calcium from the dairy, it’s a hearty meal that fuels busy families.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?

Fettuccine or penne are excellent choices for this Seafood Alfredo Casserole. Their shapes hold the creamy sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Feel free to use your family’s favorite pasta shape.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble this Seafood Alfredo Casserole a day in advance, covering and refrigerating. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking for the best texture, ensuring it bakes up golden and bubbly for your dinner.

How do I prevent the seafood from getting rubbery?

The key is to lightly cook the shrimp and scallops before adding them to the Seafood Alfredo Casserole. They will finish cooking in the oven, staying tender and delicious. Overcooking initially is the main culprit for rubbery seafood, so be gentle!

Can I use different cheeses in the Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic for a Seafood Alfredo Casserole, you could experiment with a mix of Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or a touch of Asiago for nutty undertones. Ensure they grate and melt smoothly.

Conclusion

There you have it, a wonderfully comforting and utterly delicious Seafood Alfredo Casserole that’s perfect for any family dinner. It’s a dish that embodies everything I love about cooking: bringing warmth, joy, and cherished flavors to the table with minimal stress. I truly hope this recipe becomes a cozy favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking, everyone!

Seafood Alfredo Casserole