Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: A Quick, Elegant, Flavor-Packed Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is the kind of recipe that delivers impressive flavor with almost no effort. Succulent shrimp roast quickly in the oven, absorbing the savory garlic, butter, and Parmesan coating that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. This dish feels restaurant-worthy yet relies on simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep. I appreciate how versatile it is—serve it as an appetizer, over pasta, with a crisp salad, or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. I once tried adding a splash of lemon before roasting, and the citrus lifted the richness perfectly. Whether you are looking for an elegant dish for entertaining or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is consistently reliable, easy to customize, and ready in minutes.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp
Large or extra-large shrimp work best because they stay juicy under high heat. Peeled and deveined shrimp make prep easier, though leaving the tails on creates a more elegant presentation.

Garlic
Fresh garlic adds depth and richness. It roasts gently in the butter mixture, giving the shrimp a bold, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.

Parmesan cheese
Finely grated Parmesan melts slightly as the shrimp cook, forming a savory crust. I have tried both freshly grated and pre-grated Parmesan; freshly grated offers a cleaner flavor.

Butter
Melted butter coats the shrimp, helping the Parmesan adhere while adding richness. Unsalted butter works best so you can control the seasoning.

Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil prevents the butter from burning in the oven and contributes a subtle fruitiness to the dish.

Paprika
Paprika adds a gentle warmth and a hint of smoky sweetness. It also enhances the color of the roasted shrimp.

Lemon juice
Lemon brightens the seafood and balances the buttery Parmesan topping. You can add more to taste after roasting.

Parsley
Fresh parsley adds freshness and visual appeal. It provides a light herbal note without overpowering the garlic.

Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that draw out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balance the richness of the coating.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the shrimp roast evenly without sticking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—excess moisture prevents browning. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula for even coverage. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously over the shrimp, allowing some to fall onto the baking sheet; these crispy browned bits add great flavor.

Roast the shrimp for 8–10 minutes, depending on size. The shrimp are done when they curl slightly and turn opaque pink. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp become rubbery quickly. Once removed from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately while the Parmesan crust is still crisp and fragrant.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and roasting requires 8–10 minutes. Total time is approximately 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain tenderness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the shrimp to become tough. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the Parmesan topping loses some crispness after refrigeration.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Parmesan Shrimp
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for a spicy edge.

Herb-Garlic Blend
Mix in dried Italian herbs or fresh thyme for a more aromatic profile.

Lemon-Pepper Twist
Increase the lemon juice and add lemon zest for a brighter citrus-driven flavor.

Panko-Parmesan Crust
Sprinkle a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs over the shrimp before roasting for added crunch.

Butter-Free Option
Use only olive oil for a lighter version that still roasts beautifully.

Creamy Garlic Variation
Stir a tablespoon of softened cream cheese into the butter mixture for a richer, creamier coating.

Smoky Paprika Shrimp
Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for deeper flavor.

Low-Sodium Version
Reduce salt and use unsalted Parmesan; the garlic and lemon will keep the flavor balanced.

Basil Finish
Replace parsley with fresh basil for a sweet herbal twist.

Cajun Parmesan Shrimp
Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold, Southern-inspired variation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before roasting.

Should I leave the tails on?

It is optional; tails add presentation appeal but are not necessary.

Can I use grated Parmesan from a bottle?

Yes, though freshly grated cheese provides better flavor.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Roast just until they turn pink and opaque; check at the 8-minute mark.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it contains minimal carbohydrates and fits well into low-carb diets.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes, thin asparagus or zucchini roast well alongside the shrimp.

Can I substitute butter with ghee?

Yes, ghee adds richness and resists burning at high heat.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free Parmesan-style shreds and replace butter with olive oil.

Can I serve this cold?

It is best served warm, but chilled shrimp can be used for salads.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a reliable, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and elevates any meal with minimal effort. Its combination of roasted garlic, buttery Parmesan, and tender shrimp creates a luxurious yet simple recipe perfect for both busy evenings and special occasions. With countless ways to customize it and straightforward ingredients, this dish is one you will return to often. Serve it as an appetizer, a light dinner, or the star of a pasta or salad, and enjoy its rich, savory character every time.

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