Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Imagine inviting a little bit of restaurant magic into your own kitchen — that’s exactly what happens with this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Juicy shrimp, kissed by roasted garlic, golden Parmesan, and a touch of heat, all coming together in one simple, crave-worthy dish. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but so luscious you’ll want to share it with everyone who appreciates bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting seafood-loving friends, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that puts minimal effort front and center for maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how just a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something truly special. Each one plays its own vital role, making this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp a guaranteed standout on your table.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and naturally sweet, shrimp are the star of the show — pick deveined ones for ease, and leave tails on or off according to your preference.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a velvety base, helps the seasonings stick, and ensures your shrimp roast evenly in the oven.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The more, the merrier! Fresh garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): For that signature savory crunch, nothing beats the golden, slightly crispy magic Parmesan delivers when baked.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For just a whisper of heat — totally adjustable depending on your spice level.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors and lets the shrimp shine.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle kick that rounds out the garlic and Parmesan.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds vibrant color and a refreshing, herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A spritz of lemon brightens the whole plate, making the shrimp absolutely pop!
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Giving your oven a head start ensures the shrimp roast quickly and evenly, locking in that delicate tenderness without drying out. You want it roaring hot so that every bite is juicy and perfect!
Step 2: Create the Flavor Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, paprika, red pepper flakes (if you love a kick), salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins, creating a fragrant, flavorful coating that guarantees each shrimp gets its share of the goodness.
Step 3: Toss and Coat the Shrimp
Add your prepared shrimp to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is glistening with the oil and speckled with garlic and cheese. This ensures even flavor distribution, so no one misses out on that addictive Parmesan crust!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through. For an even crispier top, try broiling them for the last minute or two — just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t go from golden to burnt.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as your Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp come out of the oven, shower them with fresh parsley for color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for a final bright squeeze that brings everything together.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Freshly chopped parsley not only perks up the plate with color but also adds a clean, herbaceous finish. Lemon wedges are a must for that pop of acidity, and you can even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top while the shrimp are piping hot for a cheesy, melty touch.
Side Dishes
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp love good company! Toss them with pasta for a lush main course, pile them over fluffy rice to soak up all the juices, or keep things light with a bright green salad. Dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for swiping up any garlicky oil left behind, and you can’t go wrong with roasted veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, serve the shrimp piled onto a platter with toothpicks. Or, nestle them into endive leaves or small lettuce cups for bite-size party fare. You can even use them to top a Caesar salad or stuff them into soft tortillas for a knockout taco twist — each way lets the Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp shine in a fun, unexpected fashion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The shrimp will keep their flavor and tenderness for up to 2 days, making them a great option for next-day lunches or quick add-ins to salads.
Freezing
While shrimp are freezer-friendly, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, allow the cooked shrimp to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within a month for best texture and flavor. Just know that the Parmesan coating may lose some crispness after thawing.
Reheating
For optimal results, reheat gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through, or give them a quick turn in a skillet over low heat. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the shrimp a little rubbery, so opt for gentler heat when possible to preserve that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before marinating and baking. Excess moisture can affect browning and flavor, so dryer shrimp mean a better, crispier finish.
Is it better with the tails on or off?
This is all about presentation and preference. Tails on look dramatic and make great finger food for appetizers, while tail-off shrimp might be easier for main courses — the good news is, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp taste amazing either way!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; use more than one if needed, so the shrimp roast instead of steaming.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! You can substitute with other fresh herbs like basil, chives, or even dill. If all you have is dried parsley, use half the amount, though fresh really gives that vibrant finishing touch.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, you can swap the Parmesan with a vegan alternative or skip it and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that savory, cheesy vibe. The shrimp and garlic still guarantee deliciousness!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp that you whipped together in just 20 minutes, but tastes like you spent all night in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch this easy, flavor-packed dish become a new favorite at your table. Happy cooking!
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Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these succulent Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, a perfect blend of flavors that make a quick and easy seafood dish. Juicy shrimp coated in a garlic and Parmesan mixture, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side salad.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before baking.
- You can also broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes for a crispier top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg