Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the little miracle that is baked garlic parmesan shrimp! It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is secretly the easiest thing in my weeknight dinner rotation. I swear by this recipe after 15 years of cooking seafood – it’s foolproof and always disappears first at parties. Just last month, I made three batches for my niece’s graduation and ended up giving out the recipe to half the guests!
The magic happens when plump shrimp meet that golden crust of garlicky parmesan goodness. In less time than it takes to order takeout, you’ve got this restaurant-worthy dish that makes everyone think you’re a gourmet chef. My secret? Using fresh garlic (none of that jarred stuff!) and letting the shrimp get nice and cozy in a single layer so they bake up perfectly juicy every time.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this dish is going to change your weeknight dinner game. Here’s why:
- Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 25 minutes—even my teenager can’t ruin this one!
- Pantry staples: Garlic, olive oil, parmesan… you probably have everything right now.
- Fancy flavor, zero fuss: That golden, crispy topping? It’ll have everyone thinking you slaved for hours.
- Healthy-ish indulgence: Packed with protein but still feels like a treat—my kind of balance.
Trust me, once you see how those shrimp come out all juicy with that crispy-cheesy crust, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Ingredients for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Alright, let’s gather our cast of characters—this is where the magic starts! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp – peeled and deveined (trust me, you don’t want to skip this prep!)
- 3 cloves garlic – minced finely (fresh only—it makes ALL the difference)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil – the good stuff that makes everything glisten
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan – none of that powdery stuff from a canister
- 1/4 cup (15g) breadcrumbs – for that perfect golden crunch
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (save some for garnish!)
- 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper – the dynamic duo
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional) – adds a lovely warmth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional) – for that bright finish
See? Nothing fancy—just honest ingredients that turn into something spectacular!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basics – you probably already have them in your kitchen:
- 9×13 inch baking dish – or any similar size you’ve got
- Mixing bowl – for tossing those shrimp in garlicky goodness
- Measuring cups & spoons – no eyeballing the parmesan!
- Chef’s knife – for mincing garlic like a pro
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required for this one!
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Okay, ready to make some magic? Let’s dive in—this is easier than you think, I promise!
Preparing the Shrimp
First things first: grab your shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial—wet shrimp won’t get that gorgeous golden crust. Now, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Toss the shrimp in this garlicky goodness until they’re fully coated. Oh, that smell already? Heaven!
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. Don’t crowd them—they need their space to bake evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and parmesan evenly over the top. I like to press it down gently so it sticks to the shrimp. Trust me, this is where the crispy magic happens!
Baking the Shrimp
Pop the dish in the middle rack of your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes—you’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the topping is golden and bubbling. Don’t overcook them, though! Shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds, so keep an eye on them. When they’re ready, pull them out and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—you’re done! Easy, right?
Tips for Perfect Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Want to make this dish absolutely foolproof? Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Fresh vs. frozen shrimp: Fresh is ideal, but frozen works great too—just thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
- Garlic lovers unite: Feel free to add an extra clove or two if you’re as garlic-obsessed as I am. Just don’t skimp on the fresh stuff!
- Gluten-free? No problem: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for the same crispy crunch.
These little tweaks make all the difference—trust me, you’ll be a shrimp-baking pro in no time!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Now for the best part—showing off your creation! I love serving these garlicky shrimp with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious oil. For a heartier meal, toss them with angel hair pasta or pile them over a bed of arugula salad for something lighter. Don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side—that bright squeeze right before eating makes all the flavors pop!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Okay, let’s be real—leftovers are rare with this dish! But if you do miraculously have some shrimp left, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave—it’ll make them rubbery. Instead, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes until just heated through. That way, they’ll stay juicy and delicious!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Nutrition Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact counts might vary based on shrimp size or cheese brand. Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe): roughly 220 calories, 22g protein, 12g fat, and 5g carbs. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. And don’t forget to pat them dry before using—wet shrimp won’t crisp up as nicely.
How spicy is the paprika?
The paprika in this recipe is more about adding warmth and color than heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, don’t worry—it’s super mild. But if you want a kick, you can swap it for smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I substitute panko?
Yes, and honestly, I love using panko for extra crunch! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for an equal amount of panko. It gives the topping an even lighter, crispier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and coat them with the garlic mixture up to an hour before baking, but don’t add the breadcrumbs and parmesan until you’re ready to bake. That way, the topping stays crisp!
Final Thoughts on Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Seriously, you’ve got to try this recipe—it’s a total game-changer! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you add extra garlic? Serve it with pasta? Let me know in the comments—I’m all ears!
Print
25-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Masterpiece
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious dish featuring shrimp baked with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15g) breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Toss shrimp in the garlic oil mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- Do not overcook shrimp to prevent toughness.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: baked shrimp, garlic parmesan shrimp, easy shrimp recipe







