Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: A Flavor-Packed 20-Minute Dinner
If you’ve ever come home after a long day and wished dinner could just cook itself, you’ll appreciate the magic of garlic parmesan roasted shrimp. The first time I tried it, I was surprised by how quickly everything came together—fifteen minutes from start to finish, yet it tasted like something that belonged on a restaurant menu. Roasting the shrimp in the oven instead of pan-frying not only makes clean-up easier, but it also creates a slightly crisp edge while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
When you pair garlic’s bold aroma with the nutty depth of Parmesan, you end up with a dish that feels indulgent without requiring much effort. This recipe has become one of those go-to meals you can pull off for weeknight dinners, yet it’s elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients & Key Components
Getting the flavor right starts with the ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, but freshness makes all the difference.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp work best because they roast evenly and stay plump. If you’re using frozen, thaw completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated shaker cheese and go for freshly grated parmesan. It melts better and gives you that golden crust.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are worth it here. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but nothing beats that roasted garlic aroma.
- Olive Oil & Butter: The combination balances flavor and helps the Parmesan stick.
Equipment & Prep Tips
You don’t need a chef’s kitchen for this recipe. A few tools make the process smoother and the results more consistent.
- A rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper helps keep the shrimp from sticking.
- A small mixing bowl is perfect for tossing the shrimp with oil, garlic, and seasonings.
- A zester or microplane works if you’d like to add lemon zest for brightness.
Shrimp Prep
Always pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. Extra moisture creates steam and prevents browning. Removing the vein is a must for both presentation and taste.
Oven Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spacing the shrimp in a single layer ensures even cooking. If they overlap, you risk steaming instead of roasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Coat the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange on Sheet Pan
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared pan. Drizzle with melted butter, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
Roast Until Golden
Place the pan in the oven and roast for 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink with opaque centers and the cheese has melted into a light, crusty texture.
Finish and Serve
Remove the shrimp and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle with parsley for freshness. Serve immediately while they’re hot and slightly crisp at the edges.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Garlic parmesan roasted shrimp is incredibly versatile. You can serve it straight from the sheet pan as an appetizer or plate it as the centerpiece of a meal.
- Toss with pasta for a quick scampi-inspired dinner.
- Pair with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Pile them on toasted baguette slices for an easy party snack.
- Add them to a crisp salad with Caesar dressing for a lighter option.
Think of it as your “little black dress” recipe—it works dressed up for dinner parties or pared down for weeknight comfort.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
Shrimp may be the star here, but the recipe adapts well to different dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally free of gluten, just double-check the Parmesan label.
- Low-Carb/Keto: The recipe is already keto-friendly—rich in protein and fat without hidden carbs.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Replace butter with additional olive oil.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based shrimp substitute, such as king oyster mushrooms, cut into thick slices. Season and roast the same way, and finish with vegan parmesan.
- Halal: Ensure your Parmesan uses microbial rennet instead of animal rennet. Many brands clearly label this.
These substitutions let you share the dish with more people without losing the flavor that makes it special.
Variations & Creative Twists
The base recipe is delicious, but experimenting with small tweaks keeps it exciting.
- Crunchy Coating: Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan before roasting for extra crunch.
- Herb Lovers’ Version: Add fresh basil, thyme, or dill for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Swap red pepper flakes for cayenne or add a drizzle of hot honey after roasting.
- Sheet Pan Meal: Roast broccoli, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on the same pan for a complete one-pan dinner.
- Grill Alternative: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for a smoky summer variation.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep
While shrimp taste best fresh, you can store leftovers for later use.
- Refrigeration: Keep cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which toughens the texture.
- Meal Prep Tip: Roast the shrimp ahead, then use them throughout the week in tacos, grain bowls, or pasta salads.
A simple dish like garlic parmesan roasted shrimp proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. You get golden, flavorful seafood on the table in minutes, with minimal clean-up and maximum taste. Whether you’re serving it for a quiet dinner at home or as the star of your next gathering, this recipe keeps people coming back for more.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic parmesan roasted shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting so the parmesan and garlic stick well.
How long should I roast shrimp at 400°F?
Large shrimp usually take 8–10 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they’re pink, opaque, and slightly firm.
What size shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp hold up well in the oven and give you that meaty bite. Smaller shrimp can cook too quickly and may dry out.
Can I broil instead of roasting?
Absolutely. Broiling gives you a crispier top layer of Parmesan garlic shrimp. Just reduce the cooking time to 4–6 minutes and watch closely to avoid burning.
How do I keep the shrimp from turning rubbery?
The key is not overcooking. Shrimp cook fast, so pull them from the oven as soon as they’re opaque in the center. A quick squeeze of lemon at the end keeps them juicy.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic parmesan roasted shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish made with juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs, roasted to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and toss until coated.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the prepared pan. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Roast for 8–10 minutes, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden.
Remove from oven, squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp, and garnish with parsley.
Serve immediately as a main dish, appetizer, or over pasta or rice.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
Freshly grated Parmesan creates the best crust and flavor.
For extra crunch, mix Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs before roasting.
Watch closely when roasting; shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting (Oven-Baked)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
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