Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the kind of effortless, elegant dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This oven-baked seafood favorite features tender, juicy shrimp tossed in a savory blend of garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

This dish comes together in just minutes and requires only one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. The garlic and Parmesan work in perfect harmony, creating a rich, slightly crispy coating that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that proves simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up.
2. Bursting with Flavor – Garlic, butter, and Parmesan bring richness and depth to every bite.
3. Elegant Enough for Guests – Looks and tastes gourmet but is incredibly simple to make.
4. Low-Carb and High-Protein – Great option for keto or low-carb diets.
5. Versatile Serving Options – Serve over pasta, salad, rice, or on its own.

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Garlic
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or more red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Herb Blend – Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary in place of Italian seasoning.
• Panko Crunch – Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko before baking for extra crunch.
• Cheesy Finish – Top with mozzarella or Asiago in the last few minutes for a melty upgrade.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce – Add more lemon and a splash of white wine for a saucier version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Large Shrimp – They bake evenly and retain juiciness.
• Don’t Overbake – Shrimp cook fast. Remove as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
• Fresh Garlic Is Key – It adds the best flavor; avoid garlic powder substitutes.
• Grate Cheese Fresh – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer.
• Broil for Crisp Edges – A quick broil at the end adds a beautiful finish.

How to Serve

Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp over linguine or angel hair pasta for a full entrée. It also pairs well with rice pilaf, quinoa, or a light salad for a low-carb option. For appetizers, serve on skewers or with toothpicks and a squeeze of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not recommended. Shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.

2. What size shrimp should I use?

Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal for even cooking and better texture.

3. Can I substitute the Parmesan?

Yes, Asiago or Romano can be used, but Parmesan gives the best flavor balance.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep the garlic butter mixture and shrimp earlier in the day, then bake when ready.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and skip the cheese, though flavor and texture will differ.

7. What herbs go well with this?

Parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme all pair beautifully.

8. Can I use cooked shrimp?

Fresh raw shrimp are best. Cooked shrimp may become rubbery if baked again.

9. How can I tell when shrimp are done?

They turn pink and opaque and curl into a “C” shape when fully cooked.

10. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick and luxurious seafood dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of garlic, butter, and cheese in a light, simple format. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for weeknight meals. Whether you serve it with pasta, salad, or straight from the baking dish, one thing’s certain—this recipe is destined to become a regular in your kitchen.

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