Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is the ultimate quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich and cheesy garlic parmesan coating, baked to golden perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This article will guide you through every step, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality dish in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Speedy and Simple:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, parmesan, butter, and shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, a main course over pasta or rice, or even as a topping for salads.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the amount of garlic, parmesan, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference). Medium to large shrimp work best.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is key for the best flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Use freshly grated parmesan for optimal melting and flavor. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup, melted. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. A blend of herbs that complements the garlic and parmesan.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat). Adjust to your spice preference.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish). Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Equipment Needed

* **Baking Sheet:** A standard baking sheet works perfectly.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For tossing the shrimp with the garlic parmesan mixture.
* **Garlic Press (optional):** For mincing the garlic quickly and easily.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Lemon Juicer (optional):** For extracting fresh lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

1. **Thaw the Shrimp:** If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps them bake properly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
2. **Peel and Devein:** If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation, or remove them for easier eating.
3. **Rinse and Dry:** Rinse the shrimp again under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly. Ensuring the shrimp are dry is crucial for achieving a nice, golden-brown crust.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Mixture**

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the butter. Be careful not to overheat the butter, as it can splatter.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.

**Step 3: Coat the Shrimp**

1. **Add Shrimp to Mixture:** Add the prepared shrimp to the mixing bowl with the garlic parmesan mixture.
2. **Toss to Coat:** Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the shrimp, ensuring every piece is covered.

**Step 4: Bake the Shrimp**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the shrimp inside.
2. **Arrange Shrimp on Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of bake.
3. **Bake:** Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the garlic parmesan crust is golden brown. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, so keep a close eye on them.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. **Garnish:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the baked shrimp with chopped fresh parsley.
2. **Serve:** Serve immediately while hot. Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is delicious served as an appetizer, a main course over pasta or rice, or as a topping for salads. Serve with lemon wedges for extra zing.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. Avoid using pre-shredded parmesan, as it doesn’t melt as well.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough. Aim for them to be pink and opaque.
* **Dry the Shrimp:** Thoroughly drying the shrimp before coating them ensures that the garlic parmesan mixture adheres properly and creates a crispy crust.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the garlic parmesan mixture before adding the shrimp and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more garlic, parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness:** For an extra crispy crust, broil the shrimp for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the shrimp to steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy texture. Bake in batches if necessary.
* **Add a Touch of Wine:** For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the garlic parmesan mixture.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Try adding other herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic parmesan mixture for a different flavor profile.
* **Serve with Dipping Sauce:** Offer a side of marinara sauce, aioli, or garlic butter for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
* **Main Course:** Serve over pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine) with a light sauce.
* **Rice Dish:** Serve over steamed rice or risotto.
* **Salad Topping:** Add to a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **Bruschetta Topping:** Spoon over toasted baguette slices for a delicious bruschetta.
* **Pizza Topping:** Add to homemade or store-bought pizza.

Variations

Here are a few variations to customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Spicy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic parmesan mixture for extra heat.
* **Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:** Increase the amount of lemon juice for a brighter, more citrusy flavor. Add lemon zest for even more lemon flavor.
* **Herb Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:** Add other herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic parmesan mixture.
* **Garlic Parmesan Scampi:** Add a splash of dry white wine to the garlic parmesan mixture and serve over pasta.
* **Breaded Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:** Dip the shrimp in breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy coating.
* **Grilled Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:** Grill the shrimp instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp ahead of time by following these steps:

1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp.
2. **Make the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:** Combine all the ingredients for the garlic parmesan mixture in a bowl.
3. **Coat the Shrimp:** Toss the shrimp with the garlic parmesan mixture.
4. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The longer the shrimp marinates, the more flavorful they will be.
5. **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat the oven and arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake as directed.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a serving size of 4 ounces of shrimp)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.)

Recipe Card

**Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy this quick and delicious Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe! It’s a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.