Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Golden, garlicky, and irresistibly buttery — a quick seafood dish that feels like a seaside indulgence.There’s something special about the smell of garlic and butter mingling in the oven. It fills the kitchen with that comforting aroma that says dinner’s about to be amazing. 

This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp captures that magic in under 20 minutes — no fuss, no fancy ingredients, just pure, flavorful goodness.

Inspired by coastal cooking and easy family meals, this recipe turns simple shrimp into a rich, oven-baked delight. Each piece is coated in a garlicky butter sauce, sprinkled generously with Parmesan, and baked until perfectly tender and lightly golden on top. The result? A dish that’s elegant enough for guests yet effortless enough for any weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Fast & fuss-free: Ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

• One pan magic: Fewer dishes, minimal cleanup.

• Restaurant-worthy flavor: Garlic, butter, and Parmesan — the ultimate trio.

• Customizable: Delicious over pasta, rice, or even on toasted bread.

• Naturally low-carb: Great for light or keto-friendly meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your kitchen smell like a coastal bistro:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1/2 tsp paprika – adds warmth and color

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp onion powder – subtle sweetness

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

• Juice of 1/2 lemon – brightens the flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for quick cleanup.

If your shrimp were frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry — moisture can prevent that nice golden top.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Coating

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, sea salt, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick).

Add the shrimp and toss well until every piece is coated in that rich, buttery mixture. The butter should lightly cling to the shrimp — not pool at the bottom.

Step 3: Arrange and Add the Parmesan

Spread the shrimp evenly in your prepared baking dish, laying them flat so they cook evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously over the top — this will form that deliciously golden crust once baked.

For extra flavor, drizzle a tiny bit more melted butter over the cheese before baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and firm to the touch.
If you want that irresistibly crisp, golden finish, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes right at the end. Keep a close eye — Parmesan can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Remove from the oven, and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. The citrus will brighten the buttery flavors beautifully.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving Ideas

This versatile dish fits just about any occasion:

• 🍝 Over pasta: Toss with linguine or angel hair for a rich garlic shrimp pasta.

• 🍚 With rice: Serve over fluffy jasmine or lemon rice to soak up the buttery sauce.

• 🍞 With crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into that golden garlic butter.

• 🥬 Low-carb option: Pair with sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.

• 🍋 Dinner for two: Add a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a simple, romantic meal.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

1. Use fresh shrimp when possible: The texture is firmer and sweeter than frozen.
2. Dry before seasoning: Extra moisture can make the shrimp steam instead of roast.
3. Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt or brown the same way.
4. Add breadcrumbs: For a crunchier top, mix 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs with the Parmesan before sprinkling.
5. Double it up: This dish disappears fast — make extra if you’re serving more than two!

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• No shrimp? Try the same method with scallops or thinly sliced chicken breast.

• Want extra flavor? Stir a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or lemon zest into the melted butter before coating.

• Spicy version: Add a bit more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

• Herb lovers: Mix in dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it can make shrimp rubbery.

• Freezing: Not recommended once baked, but you can freeze raw, seasoned shrimp for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Season the shrimp and refrigerate (covered) for up to 6 hours. Add Parmesan just before baking.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw completely and pat dry before coating in butter.

What’s the best shrimp size?
Large or extra-large shrimp hold up best to baking and stay juicy.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and a vegan Parmesan substitute — the flavor is still amazing.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is proof that simple ingredients can deliver extraordinary results. In under 20 minutes, you get a dish that’s buttery, garlicky, and beautifully golden — a seafood lover’s dream.

Serve it straight from the oven with a squeeze of lemon, some fresh parsley, and something to soak up all that garlicky goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an easy date-night meal, this recipe is the kind you’ll make once and crave forever.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Golden, garlicky, and irresistibly buttery — a quick seafood dish that feels like a seaside indulgence.There’s something special about the smell of garlic and butter mingling in the oven. It fills the kitchen with that comforting aroma that says dinner’s about to be amazing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika – adds warmth and color
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder – subtle sweetness
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Juice of 1/2 lemon – brightens the flavor

Method

 

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for quick cleanup.
2. If your shrimp were frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry — moisture can prevent that nice golden top.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Coating

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, sea salt, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick).
2. Add the shrimp and toss well until every piece is coated in that rich, buttery mixture. The butter should lightly cling to the shrimp — not pool at the bottom.

Step 3: Arrange and Add the Parmesan

1. Spread the shrimp evenly in your prepared baking dish, laying them flat so they cook evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously over the top — this will form that deliciously golden crust once baked.
2. For extra flavor, drizzle a tiny bit more melted butter over the cheese before baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and firm to the touch.
2. If you want that irresistibly crisp, golden finish, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes right at the end. Keep a close eye — Parmesan can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven, and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. The citrus will brighten the buttery flavors beautifully.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp when possible: The texture is firmer and sweeter than frozen.
Dry before seasoning: Extra moisture can make the shrimp steam instead of roast.
Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt or brown the same way.
Add breadcrumbs: For a crunchier top, mix 1–2 tbsp breadcrumbs with the Parmesan before sprinkling.