If you’re after a seafood dish that’s both elegant and easy enough for a weeknight, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a dream come true. It’s golden, garlicky, and brimming with irresistible flavor, thanks to tender shrimp nestled under a blanket of buttery garlic, crisp breadcrumbs, and nutty Parmesan. There’s just enough zest and heat to keep every bite interesting, and the minimal prep means dinner is on your table in under half an hour. If you love meals that look (and taste) like they came out of a coastal bistro with none of the fuss, you’re about to find your new favorite in Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party. They layer bold flavors, gorgeous texture, and a pop of color to make this dish truly shine.
- Shrimp: Large, raw, peeled, and deveined—plump shrimp soak up all the flavor and bake to juicy perfection.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, savory base and tenderizes the shrimp as it bakes.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers that signature, aromatic punch—don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan turns golden in the oven, adding nutty depth and a crisp crust.
- Breadcrumbs: These create that crave-worthy crunch on top and help the cheese brown beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Helps round out the buttery base and adds subtle richness to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon brightens up the entire dish and balances richness.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings herbal warmth that complements the garlic and shrimp.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—adjust to taste if you like a little heat.
- Salt: Enhances every savory and briny note in the dish—season generously, but taste as you go if using salted butter.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mellow background heat and balances the richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top right before serving, parsley adds freshness and a burst of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For easy clean-up and even cooking, lightly grease your favorite baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures every gorgeous morsel of shrimp lifts right off the pan without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Butter Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a touch of spiciness, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. This luscious mixture is the flavor foundation of your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, soaking into every nook and cranny.
Step 3: Toss in the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your bowl, then toss and turn them gently to coat every piece evenly in that garlicky, buttery goodness. Taking a minute for this step will make sure every bite is as flavorful as the next—no dry or bland bits here!
Step 4: Arrange and Top
Spread your shrimp out in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish. Mix the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs together in a small bowl, then sprinkle this over the shrimp. This will create a cheesy-crisp topping that transforms your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp from a simple bake to a dinner party star.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Don’t walk away—shrimp cook quickly, and you want them perfectly juicy!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take your bubbling dish out of the oven, shower the top with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. The contrast of the hot, bubbling shrimp with the bright, herby freshness is what really brings this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp together—so don’t skip this final touch.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is more than just a color boost—it adds a lift to the whole dish, keeping flavors light and inviting. For an extra something, add a quick grate of lemon zest or an extra dusting of Parmesan right before serving. A little drizzle of melted butter just as it comes out of the oven isn’t out of place, either, if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is wonderful served over a bowl of pasta or fluffy rice to soak up all that savory, garlicky sauce. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad works beautifully, or try a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Don’t forget crusty bread if you love mopping up every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers before baking for a fun presentation. You can also pile them high in individual ramekins for elegant single servings, or toss the finished shrimp and their sauce with cooked linguine for an instantly elevated pasta dinner. However you serve them, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp always looks right at home on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked shrimp should be cooled completely, then transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 2 days for best flavor and texture—shrimp are at their juiciest and most tender when freshly baked, but they’ll keep well for tomorrow’s quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, keep in mind that the texture of shrimp can change a bit after thawing. If you want to save leftovers for longer, pack them tightly, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, place them in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil, reheating in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until everything is warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the shrimp rubbery—gentle heat is your best friend here to recapture that just-baked flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and baking. Excess moisture can dilute the flavors and prevent the topping from getting crispy, so don’t skip this step.
What’s the best way to tell when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked as soon as they turn opaque and pink. They’ll curl slightly and have a firm texture. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep an eye on them—10 to 12 minutes in a hot oven is usually just right.
Can I substitute another cheese or breadcrumb?
Parmesan is classic for its sharpness and melting qualities, but feel free to play! Asiago or Pecorino Romano work beautifully. If you want a healthier twist, try whole wheat breadcrumbs or even panko for extra crunch.
How spicy does this dish get with the red pepper flakes?
The heat is quite gentle, just enough to tingle the tastebuds without overwhelming the other flavors. If you love spice, add more! If you’re serving kids or prefer a milder dish, simply leave the flakes out altogether.
Do I need to peel and devein my own shrimp?
If you’re short on time, look for shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined at the market—most seafood counters will do this for you. If you do it yourself, it’s a simple task and worth the effort for the freshest flavor in your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp to your table. It’s an effortless way to treat yourself to something special, whether you’re entertaining or simply craving a little luxury. Give it a try—there’s nothing quite like the combination of garlicky shrimp, cheesy crunch, and that bright finish. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delights of Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, a succulent dish bursting with flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss shrimp in the mixture to coat evenly.
- Bake: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For extra richness, drizzle with additional melted butter before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
