Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp

There are certain recipes that right away give you the impression that you did something sophisticated, even when it was not difficult at all to make—and this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is one of the examples. I am often reminded of how nice “simple” could taste whenever I cook it. The shrimp get the juiciness, tenderness, and the coating of buttery garlic, along with the perfect hint of crispy Parmesan. It’s that type of dish which seems like you have spent all day in the kitchen—but the truth is that it only takes minutes.

A Short Introduction

This recipe is practically entirely about taking a few pantry staples—shrimp, butter, garlic, and Parmesan—and converting them into something utterly tempting. The shrimp are roasted, not fried, which has the added advantage of less mess and more flavor. The oven melts and turns the garlic and Parmesan into a golden crust that sticks to every shrimp. It is fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but it is still impressive enough to be served to guests.

Why This Recipe Is Special

The Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp stands out for its very simplicity. No breading, no frying, no complicated steps—just clean flavors and great texture. The roasting brings out a nutty depth from the cheese and keeps the shrimp very juicy on the inside while slightly crisp on the outside. And when that buttery garlic aroma hits your kitchen? Game over. You will be addicted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Packed with flavor: Buttery, garlicky, and cheesy all at once.
• Healthy-ish: High in protein and low in carbs without losing flavor.
• Versatile: Works as an appetizer, a main course, or tossed over pasta.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even shrimp skeptics fall for this one.

Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want on hand (and why it matters):

• Baking sheet (or sheet pan): This is where the magic happens. A large one helps the shrimp roast evenly.
• Parchment paper or foil: Keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowl: For tossing the shrimp in that glorious garlic-Parmesan coating.
• Microplane or fine grater: To get that freshly grated Parmesan nice and light.
• Tongs or spatula: Makes flipping or serving easier.
• Measuring spoons: Because a little too much garlic isn’t always a bad thing, but balance helps.

Ingredients

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 8–10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off—it’s up to you)
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

(I always start this first so the oven’s ready by the time I’ve mixed everything.)

2. Mix the Flavor Base

In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it becomes a thick, aromatic paste.

The smell that is coming out right now is pure joy—it’s buttery, garlicky, and nutty.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Put the shrimp in the bowl and mix until all the pieces are well covered. Don’t be afraid to use your hands if necessary; that’s the easiest way! The aim is for every shrimp to get its share of that garlic-Parmesan magic.

4. Arrange and Roast

Put the shrimp on the prepared sheet in one layer. Roast them for 8–10 minutes with a flip in between.

The shrimp will be ready when they turn pink and opaque, and the Parmesan cheese gets slightly golden and crunchy.

5. Finish with Lemon and Parsley

As soon as they come out of the oven, pour lemon juice over them and sprinkle with parsley. The lemon brings everything to life and cuts through the creamy butter and cheese richness.

Really, do not miss the lemon—it is what shifts the flavor from “good” to “wow.”

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or light cream sauce over angel hair pasta.
• Accompany by garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
• Include as part of a surf-and-turf dinner with steak.
• Put them in tacos together with avocado and lime crema for a playful twist. Or, instead, just take a fork and catch them right from the baking tray—I have done it.

Variations and Customization

• Hotness: Put a bit of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Herb change: Add some Italian dried herbs or fresh basil.
• Cheese change: Use Pecorino Romano for a stronger and saltier flavor.
• Butter change: Go for browned butter, which gives a richer and nuttier taste.
• Light version: Only use olive oil instead of butter, and it will still be yummy.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-ahead: You can prep the shrimp (coated in the mixture) up to 8 hours ahead. Store covered in the fridge and roast just before serving.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn rubbery fast.

Pro Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s the part where I tell you the little secrets I’ve learned after making this way too many times:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Shrimp need space to roast, not steam.
• Use fresh Parmesan, not the powdered kind. The texture and flavor are worlds apart.
• Watch the cook time. Shrimp go from perfect to overcooked in seconds—once they’re pink and firm, pull them out.
• Pat shrimp dry before coating. It helps the butter and Parmesan stick better.
• Use jumbo shrimp if you want a more impressive presentation—they roast beautifully.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but fits into your weeknight schedule, this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is it. It’s easy, elegant, and downright addictive. I make it whenever I need something quick that still feels special—and it never disappoints.