Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Introduction

When I first made Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp for my family, I was blown away by how quickly it came together and how amazing it tasted! The shrimp turned out perfectly cooked with a crispy, golden crust from the Parmesan, complemented by the rich, savory garlic and fresh parsley. It’s a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. My kids devoured it, and even my picky eater kept going back for more. I love how versatile and healthy it is—whether you serve it over pasta, with a salad, or just as a snack, it’s a dish that always impresses. Best of all, it’s done in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to weeknight dinner for our busy family. If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, trust me, you’ll want to!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is everything you could want in a meal: quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp come out tender, juicy, and coated in a mouthwatering blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Whether you serve it as a main dish or an appetizer, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe!

This shrimp recipe is also incredibly customizable. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swap the parsley for basil for a fresh twist, or drizzle a little lemon juice over the top just before serving for a burst of brightness. And with a cooking time of just 15 minutes, it’s one of the fastest ways to enjoy a gourmet meal at home!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this simple yet delicious Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Lemon wedges
• Additional chopped parsley

Instructions

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp comes together in just a few easy steps!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The parchment paper helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The olive oil ensures the shrimp cook evenly, while the garlic and Parmesan provide that signature rich, savory flavor.
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not crowded together to allow the heat to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly, giving them that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they curl up into a “C” shape, and they’ll have a golden, slightly crisp exterior from the Parmesan.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the shrimp are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing, or drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving to enhance the flavor even more.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Each serving contains the following nutritional information:

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

This is a great option for a low-carb, high-protein meal, making it perfect for those following keto, paleo, or other low-carb diets.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, depending on what you’re in the mood for! Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the shrimp over a bed of pasta, rice, or quinoa. A simple lemony pasta would be a perfect base for the shrimp.
• With a Salad: Pair the shrimp with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal. Add a tangy vinaigrette to complement the garlic Parmesan flavors.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a finger food at a party with toothpicks for easy dipping. You can even serve it alongside a creamy dipping sauce, like a lemon aioli or spicy marinara.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Use the shrimp as a filling for a wrap, pita, or sandwich. Top with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing for a tasty, handheld meal.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a well-rounded dinner.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, here are five helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Shrimp for the Best Flavor: Fresh shrimp will give the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw them completely before using.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Once they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape, they’re done.
3. Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two. The more garlic, the better!
4. Add a Little Heat: For some spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shrimp before baking or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
5. Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check any additional ingredients you might add (like sauces or seasonings) to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
   You can use Romano cheese or Asiago as a substitute for Parmesan. Both will give a similar nutty, sharp flavor.
3. How can I store leftovers?
   Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
4. Can I make this recipe without garlic?
   If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or substitute with a mild garlic powder for a more subtle flavor.
5. What kind of shrimp should I use?
   I recommend using large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, as long as they’re prepped.
6. Can I bake shrimp on a different pan?
   Yes, you can use any baking sheet, as long as you line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and season them earlier in the day, then bake them when you’re ready to eat.
8. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
   Fresh parsley gives a better flavor and color, but if you don’t have it, you can use dried parsley as a substitute.
9. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the shrimp for extra heat.
10. Can I use a different type of oil?
    Yes, you can use avocado oil or melted butter instead of olive oil for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious dish that’s perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests. With minimal ingredients and just 15 minutes of baking time, you can have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you serve it as a main course, appetizer, or snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try different variations—add a bit of spice or drizzle with lemon juice to elevate the flavors even more. Get your shrimp ready and enjoy this mouthwatering recipe tonight! And if you love this dish, be sure to check out more of my easy and delicious recipes for more family-friendly meals that everyone will devour.

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