Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a quick and elegant seafood dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Each shrimp is coated in a buttery garlic sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan, and roasted to golden perfection. The result? Tender, juicy shrimp with a crispy, cheesy finish that tastes like something straight out of a fine-dining restaurant. I first made this dish for a last-minute dinner party, and it was a hit—the shrimp disappeared within minutes! I’ve since made it part of my weeknight rotation because it’s so simple yet feels indulgent. Once, I tossed them over pasta with a squeeze of lemon, and it turned into a meal that felt luxurious but came together in under 20 minutes. Whether served as an appetizer, on a salad, or as a main dish, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is pure flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe is a seafood lover’s dream—it’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof. The shrimp roast in just minutes, soaking up the buttery garlic goodness while developing a slightly crisp, golden coating from the Parmesan. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and perfect for busy nights or elegant dinners. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables—or enjoy it straight from the baking sheet. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples and ready in under 20 minutes, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp any night of the week.
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp – Juicy, Crispy & Bursting with Flavor
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp tossed in a savory garlic-butter sauce, seasoned with Parmesan cheese and roasted until golden and fragrant. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the shrimp on the prepared baking sheet and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and roast for 8–10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or over pasta, rice, or salad.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work if properly thawed and dried.
- Do not overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly and become rubbery if left in too long.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish; use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
Olive oil or melted butter – Helps the shrimp roast beautifully while adding flavor.
Garlic (minced) – Infuses the shrimp with aromatic, savory richness.
Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds a crispy, salty crust as the shrimp roast.
Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the flavors.
Salt and black pepper – For perfect seasoning.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle heat.
Fresh parsley (chopped) – For a burst of color and freshness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Roast for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden on the edges. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spoon
Parchment paper
Zester (optional for lemon)
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cajun Shrimp – Add Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a bold, spicy twist.
Herb Butter Shrimp – Mix in chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary for an herby flavor boost.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta – Toss the roasted shrimp with spaghetti, olive oil, and extra Parmesan for a complete meal.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers – Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill instead of roasting.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – Stir the roasted shrimp into a light cream sauce for extra indulgence.
Breaded Version – Mix Parmesan with a bit of panko before roasting for an extra-crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They’ll turn pink and opaque with curled tails—don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and olive oil instead of butter.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best—they stay juicy and bake evenly.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but reduce the roasting time to 4–5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Broil for a couple of minutes at the end or add a small handful of breadcrumbs with the Parmesan.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead, but roast them right before serving for best results.
What can I serve with them?
They pair wonderfully with pasta, risotto, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I add wine?
Yes, a splash of white wine in the marinade adds depth and flavor.
Are these shrimp keto-friendly?
Yes, they’re low-carb and high-protein—perfect for a keto diet.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. With tender, juicy shrimp coated in buttery garlic and crisp Parmesan, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s quick, versatile, and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. Whether you enjoy it with pasta, over rice, or on its own, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion.