Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively simple but absolutely bursting with flavor. Each perfectly roasted shrimp is coated in a blend of olive oil, fresh garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and zesty Italian herbs, ensuring a savory bite that begs to be devoured hot out of the oven. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or impress friends at a gathering, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp delivers on both taste and elegance while keeping prep and cleanup wonderfully easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp, every ingredient packs a punch. You’ll love how just a handful of simple staples, each with its own purpose, combine to create luscious layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- Shrimp (1½ pounds, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, offering sweet, tender bites that soak up every bit of seasoning.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Locks in moisture while helping the seasonings and cheese adhere to the shrimp for an irresistible finish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings intensity and aroma—nothing beats the warmth of freshly minced garlic in this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that infuses each shrimp with the timeless flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle these in for a touch of heat—totally customizable based on your spice preference!
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the complex flavors in the shrimp and cheese.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Offers a burst of green freshness and makes the dish pop visually.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): A squeeze just before eating brightens up every mouthful, balancing out the richness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to roast the shrimp quickly, letting them soak up gorgeous flavors without drying out. Taking a minute to let your oven come up to temp really makes a difference in the final texture—trust me on this!
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little extra zip. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are glistening and evenly coated—you want each piece to get its fair share of that glorious garlicky goodness!
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep cleanup easy. Spread the shrimp out in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. This helps them roast evenly and develop that slightly crisp, golden edge that makes Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp totally irresistible.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp are pink, firm, and just opaque in the center. If you love a little extra texture, broil them for the last 1 to 2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic or cheese.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Pull the shrimp from the oven and immediately shower them with chopped fresh parsley for that bright, herby finish. Serve right away while they’re piping hot, with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add that zippy citrus burst to taste.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped parsley and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon over your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp brings everything together. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of extra Parmesan makes them look ultra-inviting and ups the cheesy factor even more.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try serving them over a bed of warm pasta, fluffy rice, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any flavorful juices left behind on the pan. Sautéed veggies like asparagus or green beans also make a vibrant, healthy addition to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, arrange your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges tucked in and a sprinkle of parsley for a shareable appetizer. Thread them onto skewers for easy grabbing, or layer over creamy polenta for a more dramatic main course. They’re just as stunning skewered and grilled over the fire if you want to bring the party outdoors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp keep really well! Transfer any extra shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making them perfect for tossing into salads or grain bowls the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the shrimp, let them cool completely before placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, enjoy them within two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to eat them.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make them rubbery. A squeeze of lemon after reheating brings them right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps them roast instead of steam.
Do I have to leave the tails on?
It’s totally up to you—tails-on shrimp look impressive for appetizers and are easy to pick up, but tail-off is better for main courses or if you want easy eating with a fork.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano make good stand-ins if you want a similar salty, nutty flavor. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they don’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
How can I make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix for extra heat. For a smoky kick, try a pinch of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
You can toss the shrimp with seasoning up to a few hours in advance and store, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. Just wait to add the cheese and parsley until just before roasting for the best texture and freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as effortless as it is impressive, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp deserves a spot at the top of your list. The flavors are truly unbeatable, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Grab some fresh shrimp, gather your pantry staples, and discover just how deliciously simple homemade elegance can be!
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s perfect for a quick appetizer or a main course. Tender shrimp are coated in a savory mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then roasted to perfection. This dish is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast the shrimp: Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Roast in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until pink, firm, and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
- For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end of roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 oz shrimp
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
