Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp brings that special restaurant feeling right to your weeknight table. I remember the first time my granddaughter asked me to teach her a “fancy” recipe that wouldn’t take all evening – this became our go-to answer. There’s something magical about watching those shrimp turn perfectly pink in the oven while your kitchen fills with the aroma of roasted garlic and melted butter. The Parmesan creates this golden, slightly crispy coating that makes every bite feel like a celebration, even on a regular Tuesday. My family requests this dish so often now that I keep a bag of shrimp in the freezer at all times, ready for those nights when we want something special without the fuss. Time to get your baking sheet ready!
Why Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Belongs in Your Recipe Box
I’ve been making shrimp dishes for decades, and this garlic Parmesan version has earned its spot as one of my most reliable recipes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a gourmet cook without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe work every single time:
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those evenings when time is tight
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have – butter, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon
- Delivers 24 grams of protein per serving while keeping calories at just 250
- Adapts beautifully whether you’re serving it over pasta, with crusty bread, or as an elegant appetizer
- Creates minimal cleanup thanks to parchment paper lining
- Works with fresh or frozen shrimp, giving you flexibility based on what’s available
My husband always says this tastes like something from our favorite seafood restaurant, but it costs a fraction of the price and I can have it on the table faster than we could drive there and back.
What Goes Into This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Large shrimp form the foundation of this dish, and I always look for ones that are already peeled and deveined to save precious time – aim for 16-20 count per pound for the best texture and presentation.
Unsalted butter creates that rich, luxurious sauce that coats each shrimp beautifully, though I’ve successfully used olive oil when cooking for guests who prefer a lighter option.
Fresh garlic cloves bring that aromatic punch that makes this dish irresistible – I use four cloves minced finely so the flavor distributes evenly without any harsh bites.
Lemon juice adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the richness of the butter and cheese, and in my kitchen, I prefer fresh-squeezed over bottled every time.
Grated Parmesan cheese is what gives these shrimp their signature golden crust and nutty flavor – I always buy a block and grate it myself because pre-grated doesn’t melt quite as nicely.
Fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a hint of freshness that makes the final presentation look restaurant-worthy.
Salt and pepper round out the flavors – I use just a pinch since Parmesan is already salty, but adjust to your family’s taste.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating the oven to 400°F because that high heat is what creates the slightly crispy exterior while keeping the shrimp tender inside.
Step 2. I’ve learned that tossing the shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl first ensures every piece gets evenly seasoned – don’t skip this step.
Step 3. Melt your butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in half the Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful coating that will make your shrimp irresistible.
Step 4. Pour that butter-cheese mixture over your seasoned shrimp and toss until everything is beautifully coated – this is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 5. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure none overlap so they roast evenly instead of steaming.
Step 6. Roast for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully because shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long – they’re done when they curl and turn opaque pink.
Step 7. After years of making this, I learned to remove them immediately and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley while they’re still hot so the cheese melts slightly.
Step 8. Serve right away for the best texture – my family gathers around the table as soon as these come out of the oven because they smell too good to wait.
Keeping This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Fresh
I typically store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. The texture won’t be quite as perfect as when they’re fresh from the oven, but they still make a wonderful addition to salads or pasta the next day. If you’re planning to store them, slightly undercook the shrimp by a minute or two since they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Betty’s freezing method works well if you want to prep ahead – spread the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. This prevents them from clumping together so you can remove just what you need.
For the best texture when reheating, I avoid the microwave which can make shrimp rubbery. Instead, I reheat them in a 300°F oven for just 3-5 minutes until warmed through, or toss them into a hot skillet with a splash of butter for about 2 minutes. The oven method preserves more of that original roasted quality we love.
Perfect Partners for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
- Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that buttery, garlicky goodness left on your plate – my grandchildren fight over who gets the last piece for dipping.
- Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp and helps balance the meal beautifully.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans bring a vegetable element that complements the garlic flavors perfectly, especially when roasted on the same baking sheet during the last 10 minutes.
- Creamy risotto or buttered pasta turns this into a complete Italian-inspired dinner that feels special enough for company but easy enough for family night. Try pairing with Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta for a surf-and-turf variation.
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice offer lighter alternatives that still soak up the delicious sauce while keeping the meal low-carb for those watching their intake.
- Lemon wedges on the side give everyone the option to add extra brightness to their portion – some of my family like more citrus than others.
If you’re looking for more seafood options, my Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff offers a completely different flavor profile that’s equally delicious. For those who love garlic butter preparations, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream uses similar flavors with beef instead.
FAQs
I recommend thawing frozen shrimp completely before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running cold water over them for about 15 minutes – pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure proper roasting instead of steaming.
Many home cooks find success with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast creates a dairy-free version that still gives you that savory, cheesy taste my daughter’s vegan friends actually request.
The best approach I’ve tested is watching for them to turn opaque pink and curl into a loose “C” shape – if they curl tightly into an “O,” they’ve gone too far and will be tough.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup).
- Pour the butter and cheese mixture over the shrimp and toss until all pieces are well coated.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, over pasta, or with your favorite side dishes.
