If you’re looking for a deliciously simple yet impressive dish, this Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe is pure magic on a plate. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp coated in a golden crust of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs, baked to perfection with just the right touch of Italian seasoning and paprika. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or when you want to wow guests effortlessly. The burst of fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end adds the perfect brightness, making every bite crave-worthy and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the garlic’s aromatic punch to the crispy, cheesy topping that makes this dish truly stand out.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best juicy texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps infuse olive flavor and keeps the shrimp moist while baking.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory backdrop that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that creates the crispy, cheesy crust.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides light and airy crunch without weighing down the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flair to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a hint of warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers freshness and a burst of vibrant green color at the end.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A squeeze of lemon elevates and brightens each bite beautifully.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little step sets the stage for a perfectly cooked dish with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Flavor the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade ensures every shrimp is infused with garlic goodness and seasoning, keeping them moist and packed with flavor once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crust
In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. This mixture is the magic dust that will create a mouthwatering crispy crust on your shrimp, marrying cheesy richness with herbaceous notes and a touch of warmth from the paprika.
Step 4: Assemble the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon the Parmesan mixture evenly over each shrimp, gently pressing it down so it sticks well. This step ensures every bite has that irresistible crunchy topping that defines the Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the shrimp into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden and crisp. For extra crunch, feel free to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, but keep a close eye so nothing burns.
Step 6: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing — the acidity brightens the rich flavors and creates a beautifully balanced dish.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley isn’t just pretty; it brings a vibrant herbaceous note that lightens the richness of the crust. Lemon wedges are essential — their bright citrus juice perfectly cuts through the cheesy, garlicky flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve over a bed of al dente pasta tossed in olive oil and Parmesan for a comforting meal, or alongside fluffy rice to soak up any extra juices. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette complements the shrimp’s richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your presentation? Arrange the shrimp artistically on a platter with lemon slices, sprinkle additional Parmesan over top for visual appeal, and provide toothpicks for easy finger-food style enjoyment at parties. Serving on a bed of buttered grilled bread or alongside roasted vegetables adds a gourmet touch that will impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the crust crisp by storing the shrimp separately from any wet sides or sauces, if possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen shrimp maintain best quality for up to one month. Be mindful the crust may lose some crispness upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, place shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. To revive the crust’s crispness, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry to remove any excess moisture, and then proceed as directed. This helps ensure the crust sticks well and cooks evenly.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but panko is preferred for its light and airy texture which creates a crispier crust. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, consider mixing them with a bit of crushed crackers for extra crunch.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all—the paprika used here adds mild smokiness without heat. If you enjoy a little kick, you could sprinkle on a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly and should turn pink and opaque when done, usually about 10-12 minutes in the oven at 400°F. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe quickly becomes a beloved go-to because it’s simple, fast, and irresistible every time you make it. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s a surefire winner that feels special without any complicated steps. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how much joy a handful of shrimp, garlic, and Parmesan can bring to your table!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make baked seafood dish featuring large shrimp coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This golden, crispy crust pairs beautifully with the tender shrimp inside, making it a perfect main course for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Parmesan Crust
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper ensuring all shrimp are well-coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Make the Parmesan Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble the Shrimp on Baking Sheet: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Add the Parmesan Crust: Spoon the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture evenly over each shrimp, gently pressing the mixture onto the shrimp to help it adhere during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, broil the shrimp for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- This dish is versatile and works great served over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the shrimp on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
