Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is one of those recipes that feels luxurious yet requires very little effort. It is the kind of dish I rely on when I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of roasted garlic, nutty Parmesan, and juicy shrimp creates bold flavor with minimal ingredients. This recipe is fast enough for busy weeknights but refined enough to serve at a dinner gathering. I tested it with both fresh and frozen shrimp, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well frozen shrimp worked once properly thawed and dried. The oven roasting method keeps the shrimp tender while allowing the garlic and cheese to lightly crisp, creating irresistible texture. Whether served over rice, alongside vegetables, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is satisfying, protein-rich, and endlessly versatile.
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp (Quick, Flavor-Packed, and Elegant)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A high-protein chicken parmesan bowl featuring crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a balanced base for a satisfying, macro-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 300 g)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Beat the egg in a bowl. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Assemble the bowl by adding cooked rice or quinoa as the base, top with chicken parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use air-fried chicken for a lower-fat version.
- Quinoa increases protein content compared to rice.
- You can use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp are the star of this recipe, providing lean protein and a naturally sweet flavor. Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they stay juicy during roasting and develop better texture.
Olive oil helps coat the shrimp evenly, encouraging gentle roasting and preventing dryness. It also carries the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic adds depth and aroma. When roasted, it becomes mellow and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the shrimp.
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty richness. Finely grated Parmesan melts quickly and clings to the shrimp, forming a light crust as it roasts.
Italian seasoning adds balance with dried herbs like oregano and basil, enhancing the savory profile without overpowering the shrimp.
Salt sharpens all the flavors and should be used moderately, especially since Parmesan already contains salt.
Black pepper adds subtle heat and complexity.
Red pepper flakes are optional but recommended if you enjoy a gentle kick of spice.
Fresh parsley, added after roasting, brightens the dish and adds a clean herbal note.
Lemon wedges, served on the side, provide acidity that cuts through the richness and elevates the final flavor.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This step is essential for proper roasting and prevents excess moisture.
Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until evenly coated.
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the shrimp.
Roast for 8–10 minutes, then switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes until the Parmesan is lightly golden and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 12 minutes, for a total time of 22 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid overcooking.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp can be adapted in many ways. For a low-carb meal, serve it with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles. If you prefer a heartier option, pair it with pasta or quinoa.
You can add melted butter for extra richness or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast and increase the garlic slightly.
Lemon zest can be added before roasting for extra brightness. You can also mix in cherry tomatoes or asparagus for a complete sheet-pan meal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly
Removing excess moisture ensures better roasting and flavor concentration.
Use Finely Grated Cheese
This helps the Parmesan melt evenly and coat the shrimp properly.
Do Not Overcook
Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn opaque.
Finish with Acid
A squeeze of lemon balances the richness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and dry them thoroughly before cooking.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for roasting.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can season the shrimp a few hours in advance and roast just before serving.
What sides pair well with this?
Roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad work well.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated is recommended for best texture.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They should be opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I add butter?
Yes, melted butter adds richness but is optional.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a simple yet refined recipe that delivers bold flavor in minimal time. It is perfect for quick dinners, entertaining guests, or adding variety to your weekly meals. With its flexibility and impressive taste, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
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