There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in under 20 minutes but still feels fancy enough to serve to guests. That’s exactly what this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp delivers—juicy shrimp baked in a buttery garlic sauce and topped with a golden crust of Parmesan cheese. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.
I remember the first time I made this dish on a hectic weeknight. We were all craving something comforting but light, and I happened to have a bag of shrimp in the freezer. With a few pantry staples and some grated Parmesan from last weekend’s pasta night, dinner was on the table before anyone could say “takeout.” And let me tell you—it was a hit.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s great as a main dish with pasta or rice, but it also shines as an appetizer for gatherings. The garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp, and the cheese adds just the right amount of salty richness.
Ready to whip up something delicious in a flash? Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Juice of half a lemon
Pro Tip: For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
STEP 1: PREHEAT AND PREPARE YOUR BAKING DISH
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). You’ll want a nice hot oven to help the cheese melt beautifully and the shrimp cook quickly without drying out. Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, especially if you’re using an older pan that tends to stick.
STEP 2: LAY OUT THE SHRIMP
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Try not to overcrowd them—this helps them cook evenly and allows the cheese to crisp up on top.
Kitchen Tip: If your shrimp are frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can water down the garlic butter and prevent the cheese from browning properly.
STEP 3: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture smells incredible even before it hits the oven and brings so much flavor to the dish.
Pour the sauce evenly over the shrimp, tossing gently with a spoon or your hands to make sure they’re all well coated.
STEP 4: ADD THE PARMESAN CHEESE
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the shrimp. Don’t worry if it piles up in some areas—it’ll melt down and create a beautiful crusty topping as it bakes.
At this point, your kitchen is probably already smelling amazing, and the real magic hasn’t even begun yet. In the next section, we’ll bake the shrimp, finish the dish with lemon and herbs, and go over some handy tips to make sure your garlic Parmesan shrimp turn out perfect every time.
How to Bake Garlic Parmesan Shrimp to Perfection
Now that we’ve coated our shrimp in that irresistible garlic butter and topped them with a generous layer of Parmesan, it’s time to bake them to perfection. This is the step where everything comes together—the garlic infuses into the shrimp, the cheese bubbles and browns, and the whole dish transforms into a savory, golden masterpiece.
One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is how foolproof it is. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish delivers every single time. And since it bakes so quickly, you can have it on the table faster than most takeout orders.
Let’s walk through the final steps to bring it all together.
STEP 5: BAKE UNTIL BUBBLY AND GOLDEN
Slide the baking dish into your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the cheese on top is melted and just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on it during the last couple of minutes—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want to overcook the shrimp. They should be just barely firm to the touch, not rubbery.
Tip: If you want a little extra crisp on the cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Just don’t walk away while it’s broiling—cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
STEP 6: FINISH WITH LEMON AND FRESH HERBS
Once the shrimp are out of the oven, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the hot shrimp while they’re still in the pan. The citrus adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the garlic butter.
If you like, sprinkle on a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. This is optional, but it really does elevate the look of the dish if you’re serving it to guests.
Serving Suggestions: Simple Sides to Complete the Meal
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is incredibly versatile, so you’ve got options when it comes to serving:
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Over pasta: Toss some linguine or angel hair in a bit of olive oil or the leftover garlic butter from the pan.
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With rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or lemon herb rice for a more filling meal.
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Alongside crusty bread: My personal favorite! Use that bread to mop up every last bit of the buttery, garlicky sauce.
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As an appetizer: Skip the starch and serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for a fancy but easy starter.
Variations & Customizations to Try
Once you’ve made this dish a few times, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up. Here are a few fun ways to change the flavor or adapt the recipe based on what you have in the fridge:
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Add heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
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Try a breadcrumb topping: Combine the Parmesan with a few tablespoons of seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
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Use different cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, Asiago or Pecorino Romano can give a bold, nutty twist.
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Add veggies: Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes or thin-sliced zucchini to roast alongside the shrimp.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: FAQs & Final Thoughts
By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing, and your shrimp are sizzling with golden, cheesy goodness. This recipe is one of those weeknight lifesavers you’ll return to again and again—not only because it’s so fast, but because it tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.
Before we wrap things up, let’s cover a few common questions that tend to come up when making Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Whether you’re wondering about storing leftovers or trying to plan ahead for a dinner party, this next section has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before baking. Pat them dry with paper towels to avoid extra moisture in the baking dish, which can prevent the cheese from crisping up properly.
2. What size shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp work best here—they stay juicy in the oven and hold up well under the Parmesan topping. You can use medium shrimp if that’s what you have, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh out of the oven, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce and clean the shrimp ahead of time. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
4. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the shrimp rubbery.
5. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Just make sure to use a large enough baking dish (or two) so the shrimp still bake in a single layer. Crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
6. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cheese, though the texture and flavor will change. It won’t have the same golden crust, but it can still be tasty.
7. What herbs go well with this dish?
Fresh parsley is a great choice, but you can also experiment with basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of thyme for a different twist.
Final Thoughts: A Go-To Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
There are plenty of shrimp recipes out there, but this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp truly stands out. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve at your next dinner party. The garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, the Parmesan gets perfectly golden, and the squeeze of lemon at the end brings everything together.
Whether you serve it over pasta, pair it with a simple salad, or just scoop it up with a piece of warm bread, it’s hard to go wrong. And the best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or shop for fancy ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that proves simplicity really is delicious.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know how you served it—or if you made any fun tweaks. Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes? Try it with breadcrumbs? Your kitchen, your rules.
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Description
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a savory garlic butter sauce and finished with a golden Parmesan crust. It’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or as a light appetizer for guests. The high-heat baking method locks in moisture and gives the shrimp a delicate crisp on top without overcooking.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat them all.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the shrimp.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish is best served hot right out of the oven, either on its own, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results, as it melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before baking.
