Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a show-stopping appetizer. Juicy shrimp are coated in a buttery garlic sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
- Bursting with flavor: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan create a mouthwatering combination.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread.
- Crowd-pleaser: A dish everyone will rave about, whether for a casual dinner or special occasion.
- Low-carb option: Naturally low in carbs and easy to adapt for keto diets.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Prepare the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Add the topping: In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for some heat.
- Low-carb option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
- Herb swap: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Mix shredded mozzarella with Parmesan for an extra cheesy topping.
- Add vegetables: Include cherry tomatoes or zucchini slices in the baking dish for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the shrimp and breadcrumbs may change.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before baking.
What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for even cooking and presentation.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe, as pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery when baked.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free butter alternative and a vegan Parmesan substitute.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it with pasta, rice, a fresh salad, or as an appetizer with crusty bread.
Can I add more cheese to the topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in extra Parmesan or even Gruyère for added richness.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Bake just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and keep an eye on the topping to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the shrimp and topping ahead, but bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?
Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier topping, but regular breadcrumbs also work well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed almonds or pork rinds.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery garlic sauce, golden Parmesan topping, and juicy shrimp, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it as an appetizer, a main course, or a flavorful addition to your favorite pasta or salad. Try it today for a delicious meal that’s ready in no time!
Print
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a buttery garlic sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. - Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat. - Add Parmesan Topping:
In another small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the shrimp. - Bake:
Bake the shrimp for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden brown. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.