Name: Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 Tbsp Butter (or olive oil); 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 Tbsp Lemon juice; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp Chopped parsley; 2 wedges Lemon (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the irresistible aroma of garlic and melted butter swirling through your kitchen, mingling with the bright zest of fresh lemon and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese. The sight of perfectly pink, juicy shrimp nestled in a golden, bubbling blanket of cheese makes your mouth water even before the first bite. This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate quick-fix meal that still impresses every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes: A speedy yet gourmet dish perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Uses simple ingredients: Everyday pantry staples come together to create a flavor-packed experience.
Perfect for beginners: No complicated cooking skills required—just toss, bake, and enjoy.
Impressive presentation: Serves a visually stunning plate that feels elegant without the fuss.
Customizable: Easily tailored with spices and herbs to suit your personal taste buds.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe Works

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe nails balance and simplicity, making it both foolproof and incredibly flavorful. The secret lies in the perfect marriage between garlic-infused butter and sharp, grated Parmesan, which coats each shrimp with a luscious richness that bakes into a golden crust. Lemon juice adds a bright punch, cutting through the richness and elevating every bite. Finally, baking rather than sautéing ensures the shrimp stays juicy and tender, not overcooked or rubbery. These techniques together create a harmonious dish that’s aromatic, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Large white rectangular baking dish filled with a whole shrimp and macaroni casserole, featuring plump, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in creamy, cheesy macaroni, topped with browned, crisped onion slices, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and a blend of black pepper and seasoning, whole dish captured in a professional 3/4 angle shot on a white marble countertop with natural lighting, styled like a hero photo in a food magazine, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these straightforward yet essential ingredients to bring your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp to life. Each component plays a critical role in layering flavor and texture.

Fresh shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined, the star of the dish, delivering juicy, tender bites.
Butter or olive oil (4 Tbsp): Richness and moisture, perfect for infusing with garlic.
Garlic (3 cloves): Minced to release bold, aromatic depth.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Grated for a salty, nutty crust that bakes beautifully.
Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness.
Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): A fragrant mix of herbs to enhance the savory profile.
Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Gives a gentle kick of heat if you like a touch of spice.
Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning that brings all flavors together.
Chopped parsley (2 Tbsp): For a fresh herbal finish and pop of color.
Lemon wedges: Served on the side for an extra tangy squeeze.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Fresh shrimp: Frozen, thawed shrimp works beautifully in a pinch—just drain well.
Butter: Use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free option without compromising flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano offers a saltier, sharper alternative.
Italian seasoning: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can be swapped in for a fresher taste.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Tip 1: Make sure the shrimp are dry before mixing to ensure the coating sticks perfectly.
Tip 2: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more pronounced flavor and better melting texture.
Tip 3: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give shrimp room to cook evenly and crisp up.
Tip 4: If you crave extra garlic punch, sauté minced garlic in butter first for deeper flavor.
Tip 5: Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before baking for an irresistibly golden crust.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot and steady baking environment. This temperature is just right to cook the shrimp through quickly while giving the Parmesan time to melt and crisp without burning.

💡 Pro Tip: Place your baking dish in the oven while it preheats for an extra sizzle when you drop in the shrimp.

Step 2: Mix the magic marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with melted butter or olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together so each shrimp is luxuriously coated.

💡 Pro Tip: Use tongs or your hands for the best, even coating.

Step 3: Arrange in the baking dish

Spread the shrimp evenly in a single layer within your baking dish to promote even cooking and prevent steaming.

💡 Pro Tip: For easier cleanup, line your dish with parchment paper or foil.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as the shrimp turns a vivid pink and the Parmesan melts into a golden, bubbly crust.

💡 Pro Tip: Check shrimp at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking; shrimp cook fast!

Step 5: Finish with fresh parsley and lemon

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the shrimp with chopped parsley for a fresh green burst. Serve alongside lemon wedges to add a final bright, citrusy note.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overbaking makes them rubbery and tough.
Using pre-grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives and doesn’t melt as well, sacrificing flavor.
Skipping the lemon juice: The acidity cuts through richness and brightens the dish—it’s essential!
Overcrowding the baking dish: Too many shrimp squished together prevent proper browning.
Not drying shrimp before mixing: Excess moisture can dilute flavors and prevent the coating from sticking.
Neglecting fresh herbs: Parsley adds freshness and color that elevate the dish to the next level.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe, why not explore some exciting twists?

Spicy Cajun Parmesan Shrimp

Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and swap red pepper flakes for cayenne powder for a smoky, fiery kick that warms every bite.

Lemon Herb Garlic Shrimp

Double the lemon juice and add fresh chopped basil and thyme for an herbaceous, zesty rendition that feels fresh and vibrant.

Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Bake

Mix in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every shrimp in indulgence.

Parmesan Shrimp Scampi Style

Finish the baked shrimp with a quick toss in sautéed garlic butter and parsley, and serve over linguine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.

Coconut Parmesan Shrimp

Stir in some shredded coconut with the Parmesan for a sweet and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

Roasted Garlic and Chili Parmesan Shrimp

Use whole roasted garlic cloves instead of minced garlic and increase chili flakes for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Single white plate with a modest serving of cheesy shrimp and pasta casserole, close-up angled view revealing tender shrimp nestled atop creamy, baked pasta layers coated in melted cheese, sprinkled with cracked black pepper and fresh parsley for garnish, golden-browned spots indicating a perfectly baked crust, placed on a white marble surface with natural lighting, intimate plated serving photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness, extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy pop, and a squeeze of lemon juice to finish each bite perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp shines alongside garlic butter pasta, creamy risotto, buttery garlic bread, or a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Present in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy family-style vibe, guest-ready individual ramekins for elegance, or atop a bed of fluffy couscous for a colorful plate that tantalizes the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers delicious.

Freezing

Freeze baked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw, pat dry thoroughly, and drain any excess water before mixing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can easily omit or increase them to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for similar flavor.

What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and lift out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers.

Can I prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 1 hour before baking, but avoid longer times to prevent shrimp from becoming mushy.

Is it necessary to peel the shrimp?

Peeling is recommended for this recipe to allow the seasonings and cheese to coat the shrimp nicely and for easy eating.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Mix dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a homemade alternative that works perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe combines simplicity with spectacular flavor, making it a beloved staple in my kitchen and one I’m thrilled to share with you. Its quick prep, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that heavenly garlicky-cheesy aroma create an eating experience that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something special, this dish checks every box. The best part is how easily it comes together while tasting like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen.

Have you tried this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🦐🍋🧄