Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is one of those magical recipes that’s ready in minutes yet tastes like something from a fine restaurant. With tender, juicy shrimp coated in buttery garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or even elegant appetizers when you want something quick, easy, and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
- Fast and fuss-free — from prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
- Simple ingredients, gourmet taste — uses pantry staples like garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Versatile — serve as a main, toss with pasta, or top your salad.
- Family-friendly — mild flavors that everyone enjoys.
- Healthy and light — high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated versions can clump when baked.
- Butter Substitute: For a lighter version, use olive oil only. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or avocado oil.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work — just make sure to thaw and pat dry before roasting.
- Paprika: Swap for smoked paprika if you want a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness. You can also use lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Parsley: Optional but adds freshness and color. You can replace it with basil or chives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 2 – Mix the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be thick, aromatic, and slightly grainy from the cheese.
Step 3 – Coat the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well until each piece is evenly coated. The Parmesan mixture will cling to the shrimp, forming a flavorful crust during roasting.
Step 4 – Arrange and Roast
Lay the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and the cheese becomes golden and crisp.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. For extra flavor, drizzle the pan juices over the shrimp before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook quickly — remove as soon as they’re pink and curled.
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Space them out on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best crust and flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat if you like spice.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture — shrimp cool quickly.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Cajun Style: Add ½ tsp Cajun seasoning or chili powder.
- Lemon Herb: Mix in thyme, oregano, and extra lemon zest.
- Garlic Butter Pasta: Toss roasted shrimp with spaghetti and a little extra butter.
- Creamy Spinach Shrimp: Add a spoon of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to the mix.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace Parmesan with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and add soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over angel hair pasta or linguine for a quick dinner.
- Pair with steamed veggies or a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Add to rice bowls or grain salads for lunch prep.
- Use as a party appetizer — guests can enjoy them with toothpicks!
- Try with garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a hearty combo.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving too long — shrimp can become rubbery.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
(Values approximate, based on 4 servings.)
FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before coating. Removing excess water ensures the shrimp roast properly instead of steaming.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spray the basket lightly, and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated from a block gives a richer, crispier coating. Avoid powdered Parmesan — it burns quickly and doesn’t melt smoothly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan or swap with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They’re perfectly cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled. If they curl tightly into a ring, they’re overdone.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s quick, reliable, and guaranteed to impress — whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself. With its golden Parmesan crust and juicy, tender shrimp, this dish deserves a regular spot on your dinner rotation!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp — Quick, Easy & Flavorful
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy roasted shrimp coated in garlic, butter, and Parmesan for a flavorful 20-minute meal.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix olive oil, butter, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange shrimp in single layer on baking sheet.
5. Roast 8–10 minutes until pink and golden.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Serve immediately for crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 190
