Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, super simple to make, and guaranteed to impress, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is your answer. This perfect blend of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese comes together in a quick bake that steals dinner every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings that irresistible Italian-inspired comfort food right to your plate with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
• Rich and Flavorful: The garlic and Parmesan combination elevates simple shrimp to a gourmet level effortlessly.
• Healthy and Light: High in protein and low in carbs, it fits nicely into many dietary lifestyles.
• Versatile: Works wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, saving you time in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one enhances the texture and flavor just right, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-rich.

• Shrimp: Fresh or thawed large shrimp, peeled and deveined for juicy, tender bites.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings that essential aromatic punch that defines this dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that crisps beautifully when baked.
• Butter: Melted butter coats the shrimp, adding richness and moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances richness.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.

Variations for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Customizing this dish is easy and fun! Whether you want more heat, different herbs, or a dairy-free option, the recipe adapts beautifully to your taste and dietary needs.

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Herb Swap: Use basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil in place of butter.
• Crunch Factor: Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a crispy finish.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream before baking for extra richness.

How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a luscious sauce that will coat the shrimp beautifully.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is generously coated. This step infuses the shrimp with rich flavors and helps the cheese melt into a bubbly topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The Parmesan on top should be golden and slightly crisp, sealing in the flavor.

Step 5: Add Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the rich, savory flavors perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp makes all the difference for tender texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks fast—watch closely to avoid rubbery results.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder won’t give the same pungency and aroma that fresh garlic provides.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the butter and lemon juice come to room temperature to mix smoothly.
• Let It Rest: After baking, allow a couple of minutes before serving so the juices settle.

How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or basil leaves provide a pop of green, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds flavor depth. Lemon wedges alongside encourage a zesty squeeze that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, a fresh green salad for balance, or over a bed of buttery pasta or rice for a filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in individual ramekins for a sophisticated touch, or pile it high on a platter with vibrant vegetables for a crowd-pleasing presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep shrimp juicy and avoid drying out, or warm in a skillet on low heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before baking to prevent excess moisture.

Is this dish spicy?

The original recipe is mild, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to spice it up.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

How long does this take to cook?

From prep to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner choice.

What can I serve with Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?

Pair it with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a delicious and complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again because it’s delightfully easy, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for any occasion. Give it a try and discover why it truly steals dinner every time. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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