If you’re looking for a simple-yet-sass-worthy meal that feels a little fancy but is secretly fuss-free, you have to try Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. It’s a recipe that lands somewhere between comfort food and a showstopper, bursting with juicy shrimp, savory parmesan, and that unmistakable garlic aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen. Even better, it’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a midnight craving, this dish hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and lushness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is how each ingredient works its magic—there’s no fuss, but every addition brings something deliciously crucial. Each item joins the party for a reason: color from herbs, zest from lemon, punch from garlic, and an irresistible crunch from parmesan.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp ensure a tender, juicy bite every time (and speedy prep, too!).
- Olive Oil: Adds luscious moisture and helps the seasonings cling lovingly to every shrimp.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic packs in aromatic depth and the signature bold flavor you crave.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan melts and crisps while baking, giving the shrimp a salty, cheesy crust.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings an herby, savory complexity that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and whisper of smokiness, plus that beautiful pop of color.
- Salt: Simple but so important—draws out the natural flavors in the shrimp and cheese.
- Black Pepper: Gives the dish a mild heat for balance and brightness.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the finish, parsley delivers that fresh, vibrant touch.
- Lemon Wedges: Squeezed just before serving, lemon wakes up all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it come to temperature while you gather the ingredients. A properly preheated oven ensures that your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp cook quickly and evenly, turning wonderfully pink and tender without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, add the olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is perfectly combined—this is the flavor bomb that will coat your shrimp so every bite is zesty, cheesy, and deliciously seasoned.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl and use your hands or a spatula to gently coat them in that glossy, garlicky mixture. Every shrimp should have a shimmering jacket of cheese and spices—don’t leave any behind!
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lay out the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or lightly greased, if you prefer). Pop the tray into your hot oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Love a golden finish? Broil them for an extra minute or two for irresistible color and crisp edges.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Pull the baking sheet from the oven, then immediately shower your shrimp with a flurry of fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side—the fresh squeeze adds brightness and ties every flavor together. That’s all it takes to enjoy Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp glory!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of herbal freshness that makes the flavors pop. Don’t forget those lemon wedges! A squeeze right before eating wakes up the garlic and parmesan, making the shrimp taste even more sumptuous.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp are completely at home atop a heap of buttered linguine, a mound of white rice, or even nestled beside a warm, crusty baguette. If you’re feeling health-conscious, go for steamed veggies or a leafy green salad, which both make the shrimp shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Dial up the wow factor by serving the shrimp in individual ramekins or over toasted crostini as appetizers. For a light lunch, stuff them into lettuce wraps with a drizzle of lemony yogurt sauce. You can even toss them into a creamy risotto, letting that cheesy, garlicky goodness soak into every grain.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with extra Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days—though they’re so good, leftovers rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and store for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them flat in a single layer to prevent clumping, then move to a bag once frozen.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, just until heated through. For microwave reheating, cover and use short bursts to avoid making them rubbery. Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before proceeding. Just pat them dry with paper towels so the marinade sticks well and your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp bake up perfectly.
Which kind of parmesan is best?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese brings the best flavor and texture to Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. Pre-grated works in a pinch, but the flavor isn’t quite as bold or nutty.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep a close eye on them as they bake—shrimp turn pink and opaque when done, usually within 8–10 minutes. They’ll also curl into gentle “C” shapes; tight spirals are a sign they’re overcooked.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any bread or pasta you pair it with also fits your dietary needs.
Can I add other spices or vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, toss in cherry tomatoes or spinach before baking, or experiment with different herbs to make the recipe truly your own.
Final Thoughts
Let Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp find a forever home in your weeknight rotation. It’s speedy, dazzling, and incredibly rewarding—just the thing for impressing company or spoiling yourself. Why not give it a whirl tonight?
Print
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish of Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp that is bursting with flavor and easy to make. Succulent shrimp coated in a savory garlic and Parmesan mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and coat well.
- Bake the Shrimp: Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until pink and cooked through. Optionally broil for an extra golden finish.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- For added heat, include red pepper flakes in the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
