Name: Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Crispy, savory, and bursting with garlicky flavor, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the ultimate weeknight dinner or appetizer that tastes indulgent yet takes almost no time to prepare. This dish transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy meal by coating them in a rich mixture of olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, and freshly grated Parmesan. It’s baked to perfection until the shrimp are tender and the cheese forms a lightly golden crust that adds texture and a burst of umami in every bite.

Perfect for seafood lovers and busy cooks alike, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. The lemon zest brightens the entire dish, the garlic infuses the shrimp with savory depth, and the herbs give it an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the nutty Parmesan. Whether you serve it over pasta, on top of a fresh salad, or with warm crusty bread, this versatile dish is bound to become a staple. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – From prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
Flavor-Packed – Garlic, lemon, and Parmesan create a bold, delicious combo.
Healthy Option – High-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free.
Crowd-Pleaser – Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for everyday.
Versatile – Works as an appetizer, main dish, or topping for salads and pastas.

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon zest
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped flat Italian parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Butter Lovers: Swap half the olive oil with melted butter for richer flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in a bit of mozzarella for a gooey top.
Fresh Herbs: Replace dried herbs with chopped fresh oregano or basil.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a squeeze of lemon juice after baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.

Step 3: Toss the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the garlic oil mixture. Toss well to evenly coat.

Step 4: Arrange and Top

Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet or dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the shrimp.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture.
Don’t overbake—the shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded.
Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help the oil and seasonings adhere.
Add the Parmesan after arranging the shrimp for even coverage.

How to Serve

Over angel hair or linguine pasta
With steamed or roasted vegetables
As a protein on top of Caesar or garden salads
Alongside crusty garlic bread or rice
As a low-carb main with zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Do I need to marinate the shrimp?

No marinating is required—just toss and bake.

3. What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound) work best.

4. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Not recommended—they can dry out and overcook in the oven.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits a ketogenic diet.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan.

7. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?

Yes, cast iron gives great heat distribution and crisp edges.

9. How do I know the shrimp are done?

They’ll turn pink, curl slightly, and become opaque.

10. What can I serve this with?

Pasta, rice, vegetables, salad, or even stuffed into pita bread.

Conclusion

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that satisfies every time. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish delivers juicy shrimp, garlicky depth, and cheesy richness in every bite. Add it to your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it!