Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

If you’re anything like me, you sometimes find yourself searching for a quick, tasty dinner that doesn’t require a ton of effort or a laundry list of ingredients. Enter Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. This dish is a total winner. It’s simple, flavorful, and, best of all, ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that make you feel like you’ve made something fancy, even though it’s incredibly easy. So, whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a laid-back dinner, this one’s for you!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

You know those days when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? I’ve been there! That’s when I reach for this recipe. Not only is it super simple, but it also checks all the boxes: fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying.

The shrimp are perfectly coated in a buttery garlic-parmesan sauce that’s rich without being heavy. The best part? The baked shrimp come out tender and juicy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. You’ll be amazed at how easily this meal comes together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the thing—this recipe doesn’t require any crazy ingredients. Most of the items you probably already have on hand, which is perfect if you’re in the mood for something quick and don’t want to make a special trip to the store.

• Shrimp: You’ll need about 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer using fresh shrimp, but frozen works just as well—just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic give this dish that amazing aroma and flavor that everyone loves.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best for the most authentic taste.
• Butter: This is what makes the garlic and Parmesan stick to the shrimp and gives it that silky finish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is optional but really brightens up the dish. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley works, too!
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end ties everything together and adds a burst of freshness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This is a super straightforward process, and I promise you’ll have everything ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I always like to start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get that golden, crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Next, grab your shrimp. If they’re frozen, give them a good rinse under cool water to thaw and pat them dry with paper towels. You want to make sure the shrimp is dry, so the butter mixture can really stick.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, or until it gets nice and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! After that, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and parsley (if you’re using fresh). Let it all melt together for a couple of minutes until you have a smooth, gooey sauce that’ll coat every shrimp perfectly.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Take a baking dish and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Then, pour that garlic Parmesan goodness all over the shrimp. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Don’t be shy—use every last bit of that sauce!

Step 5: Bake and Wait (Trust Me, It’s Worth It!)

Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden color. You’ll know they’re done when they’re opaque and cooked through. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! If you like your shrimp extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Add a Fresh Kick with Lemon

Once the shrimp are out of the oven, it’s time to finish them off. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top to brighten up the flavors. You’ll notice how that little splash of citrus makes everything pop. You can also sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a touch of color if you like.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Now, all that’s left is to serve up your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. You can enjoy them on their own as a simple appetizer or pair them with pasta, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. I can’t tell you how often I make this because it’s just so easy and always hits the spot.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Even though this recipe is pretty foolproof, I thought I’d share a couple of tips that will help you take it to the next level:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook really fast, so make sure not to leave them in the oven too long. Overcooking them will make them rubbery and tough. They’re ready when they turn pink and opaque.
• Frozen Shrimp Are Fine: I totally get it if you don’t have fresh shrimp on hand. Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp properly and dry them well before cooking.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. It adds just enough spice to complement the Parmesan.
• Keep It Low-Key: This dish is pretty simple, and that’s what I love about it! Don’t feel like you need to add a ton of extra ingredients. Sometimes, simplicity is the secret to making something amazing.

Why This Recipe is a Lifesaver

Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, errands, and everything else on the to-do list, we don’t always have time to make a complicated meal. But with this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe, you can get a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Plus, it’s so versatile! You can serve it with pasta, rice, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables. It’s a great way to add some extra protein to your meal without any hassle.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe countless times, and it never fails to deliver. It’s the perfect balance of rich and light, with just the right amount of flavor. If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and delicious, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. And if you’re a shrimp lover like I am, you’re going to be so glad you tried it.

So next time you’re in the mood for something amazing that’s quick and simple, give this a shot. I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!