If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet practically effortless to prepare, then this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. The tender shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with the sharp nuttiness of Parmesan cheese and the subtle warmth of smoked paprika, come together to create a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests and delights family alike, all while being ready in under 30 minutes. Once you try this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe, it’s going to be a go-to favorite you’ll come back to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important for nailing the texture and flavor that make this dish shine. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy Parmesan adding a savory depth to the fresh parsley bringing a vibrant finish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp with tails on or off depending on preference, they’re the star protein providing a sweet, tender bite.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Melts into a rich, garlicky sauce that keeps the shrimp succulent.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch you’ll crave.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty layer that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil that add an earthy, fragrant touch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A fresh squeeze brings a zesty contrast that balances the richness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your shrimp won’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze, setting the groundwork for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This mixture is the heart of the Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe, marrying rich, savory, and aromatic flavors that will soak right into the shrimp.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to your seasoned butter mixture and toss thoroughly so every piece is generously coated. This ensures that each shrimp bakes with that irresistible garlicky, cheesy crust and juicy softness inside.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Spread the shrimp evenly in a single layer in your prepared dish and pour any leftover garlic butter on top. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling that they’re perfectly cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley to add brightness and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for that easy squeezing finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is simple yet transformative, adding color and a clean, fresh flavor that contrasts perfectly with the rich garlic and Parmesan. Don’t forget a good squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens every bite and adds just the right zing.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides like a fluffy bed of rice or tender pasta tossed in olive oil to soak up every last drop of garlic butter sauce. Crusty bread is another fantastic option, perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancier presentation, serve the shrimp atop a fresh bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced plate. You can also stuff the shrimp onto skewers with lemon slices for a fun party appetizer that lets guests enjoy the dish finger-food style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and remain full of flavor, making for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to three months. When properly wrapped, the flavors will hold up well and freeze without sacrificing texture too much.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. The best method is warming in a skillet over low heat or gently in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before preparing to ensure even cooking and the best texture in this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter. While the flavor will change, the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
Can I add spice to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture will give the shrimp a delightful kick that works well with the Parmesan and garlic.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Look for shrimp that have turned a bright pink color and are opaque all the way through. This usually takes about 10–12 minutes in the oven at 400°F for large shrimp.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can toss the shrimp in the garlic Parmesan mixture and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to soak in even more but avoid marinating too long as shrimp can start to turn mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients coming together in a dish full of bold, comforting flavors that feel like a special treat any night of the week. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. Give it a try—you won’t regret adding this gem to your recipe collection!
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Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-prepare seafood dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Succulent large shrimp are tossed in a savory mixture of melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings, then baked until perfectly cooked and tender. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Seasoning & Sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Coat Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the garlic butter and spices.
- Arrange Shrimp: Spread the coated shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining garlic butter mixture over the shrimp for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are just cooked through, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Serve the garlic parmesan shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- For extra flavor and a golden finish, broil the shrimp for the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
