This baked garlic parmesan shrimp is a fast, flavorful dinner that goes from prep to table in about twenty minutes. Plump shrimp are tossed with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and paprika, covered with grated Parmesan, and baked in a hot oven until the cheese melts and the shrimp turn pink.
It is an easy way to get big flavor with very little work. One baking dish is all you need, which makes the recipe great for busy nights, small dinner parties, or a light weekend meal served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
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Why This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Works
Shrimp cook in minutes, so a hot oven and a short bake time keep them tender. Marinating them briefly in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic seasons every piece while protecting it from drying out. Paprika adds warm color and gentle flavor.
Parmesan melts over the shrimp and forms a savory, golden topping. Freshly grated cheese melts best and tastes stronger than pre shredded cheese, so a small amount goes a long way. Baking everything in a single layer means the shrimp cook evenly.
Ingredients for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt, plus black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
1. Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Make the marinade
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and add them to the bowl. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
4. Arrange in a baking dish
Spread the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish so they cook evenly.
5. Add the Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the shrimp.
6. Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. The flesh should look pearly and opaque.
7. Garnish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Serve the shrimp over rice, tossed with pasta, or with crusty bread for soaking up the garlicky juices. Steamed green vegetables or a simple salad round out the plate. If you enjoy shrimp, try Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Sheet Pan Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus makes a full meal in the oven, and Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet is a quick stovetop option.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat them within 2 to 3 days. Cool the shrimp and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking.
Reheat gently in a low oven or in a skillet over low heat, only until warm, because shrimp turn rubbery when they are overcooked. Leftovers should be steaming hot when you serve them.
Tips and Variations for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
The FDA safe food handling guide describes properly cooked shrimp as pearly and opaque, and it explains that frozen seafood should be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave rather than on the counter.
Pat the shrimp dry so the Parmesan sticks and browns instead of sliding off. For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Choose similar size shrimp so they finish together. Serve the shrimp over rice or with crusty bread to catch the sauce at the bottom of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
How do I know baked garlic parmesan shrimp is done?
The shrimp should be pink and cooked through, with flesh that looks pearly and opaque. Pull them out as soon as they reach that point.
Can I use frozen shrimp for baked garlic parmesan shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them in the refrigerator, then pat them dry before tossing with the marinade.
Can I make baked garlic parmesan shrimp ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp briefly in advance, but add the Parmesan and bake right before serving for the best texture.
What should I serve with the shrimp?
Rice, pasta, crusty bread, or a green salad all pair well.
Can I use pre grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes best, though pre grated cheese can work in a pinch.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pat the shrimp dry, add to the bowl, and toss to coat.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through with pearly, opaque flesh.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
