If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. This recipe transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy delight, coated in a buttery garlic-parmesan mixture and baked until perfectly golden.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two, a quick family meal, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this shrimp dish never fails to impress. It’s everything you love about seafood — light, flavorful, and satisfying — without the fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortlessly elegant. The shrimp cooks beautifully in the oven, soaking up the buttery garlic sauce while the Parmesan forms a delicate golden crust. The aroma alone — garlic sizzling in butter with herbs — is enough to make your kitchen feel like a fine-dining restaurant.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it with pasta, over rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that garlicky, cheesy goodness. And since it’s baked (not fried), it’s lighter while still being incredibly indulgent.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp because:

• It’s rich, buttery, and garlicky, yet perfectly balanced.
• The shrimp comes out tender and juicy every single time.
• It’s quick and easy, ready in less than 25 minutes.
• It’s versatile — a main dish, appetizer, or side.
• It’s elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for everyday cooking.

If you love garlic, cheese, and seafood, this recipe will win you over at the first bite!

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
• Calories: ~310 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Shrimp

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this ensures they bake up crisp, not watery.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pour half of this mixture over the shrimp and toss until they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
2. Add a drizzle of the remaining butter mixture and toss to lightly moisten the topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp

1. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture evenly over the shrimp.
3. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden on top.
2. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot shrimp.
2. Sprinkle with more parsley and serve immediately.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve your Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp hot, straight from the oven!

Serving Ideas

• Over buttery pasta (like linguine or angel hair)
• With steamed rice or quinoa
• Alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad
• As an appetizer with lemon wedges and dipping sauce
• On toasted garlic bread for a quick shrimp bruschetta-style snack

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a restaurant-worthy meal.

Recipe Tips

1. Don’t overbake! Shrimp cooks very quickly — once pink and firm, it’s done.
2. Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
3. Add extra butter if you love a saucier finish.
4. For a lighter version, skip breadcrumbs and just sprinkle Parmesan and herbs.
5. For extra zing, add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp:
   Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a southern twist.
2. Herb Garlic Shrimp:
   Mix Italian herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil into the topping.
3. Lemon Butter Shrimp:
   Double the lemon juice and add zest for a bright, tangy version.
4. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta Bake:
   Toss baked shrimp and garlic butter over cooked pasta, top with mozzarella, and bake for 10 more minutes.
5. Low-Carb Version:
   Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet.
• Tip: If freezing raw, coat shrimp in butter mixture and freeze flat on a tray; bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Mixing bowls
• Microplane or garlic press
• Pastry brush (optional, for butter coating)

FAQ

Q1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them completely dry before coating and baking.

Q2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and marinate the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance, but bake them fresh for the best texture.

Q3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but bake for only 5–7 minutes — just enough to heat through and crisp the topping.

Q4. Can I skip the cheese for a dairy-free version?
Yes, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Q5. How do I make it crispier?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end and use panko breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a true showstopper — quick, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. The combination of buttery garlic, crisp Parmesan topping, and juicy shrimp creates a dish that’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests.

It’s comfort food with sophistication — golden, garlicky, and utterly satisfying. Every bite reminds you how amazing simple ingredients can be when treated right.