20-Minute Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp (An Easy Recipe!)
This isn’t just a simple shrimp recipe; it’s a masterclass in flavor alchemy. We take plump, juicy shrimp and toss them in a luscious, savory blend of melted butter, olive oil, heaps of fresh garlic, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. When it hits the high heat of the oven, something magical happens. The shrimp cooks to sweet, tender perfection while the cheese and garlic form an irresistible, golden-brown, savory crust.
Get ready to discover the easiest, most delicious shrimp recipe you’ve ever made—a dish that proves you don’t need a lot of time to create something truly extraordinary.
Why This Roasted Shrimp is an Instant Favorite
You are going to be so impressed with how much incredible flavor you can create in such a short amount of time. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Ready in 20 Minutes Flat: From prep to plate, this entire dish comes together with lightning speed, making it the ultimate fast and elegant meal.
- Irresistible Garlic-Parmesan Crust: Roasting the shrimp with Parmesan creates a savory, slightly crispy, golden-brown crust that is completely addictive.
- Made with Simple, High-Impact Ingredients: All you need are a few simple staples like shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon to create a truly spectacular dish.
- A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This is a perfect main course served with pasta or salad, and it also makes for a fantastic, easy-to-eat party appetizer.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | 260 kcal per serving |
| Course | Main Course, Appetizer |
| Cuisine | American, Italian-Inspired |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Roasting |
| Diet | Gluten Free |
Your Shopping List for This Flavorful Dish
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients to create its signature bold and savory flavor.
→ For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined → Using large shrimp ensures they stay juicy and don’t overcook.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated → Freshly grated from a block is a must for the best texture and melt.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced → The aromatic heart of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil → Adds richness and helps with browning.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted → For that unbeatable buttery flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice → For a bright, zesty kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika → Adds a beautiful color and a touch of smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper → To season everything perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped → For a fresh, vibrant finish.
Let’s Get Roasting! Your Step-by-Step Guide
This is one of the easiest “wow-factor” recipes you’ll ever make. It comes together in just a few simple steps!
Part 1: The Flavorful Coating
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to a hot 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, the finely grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until every single shrimp is evenly coated in the delicious garlic-parmesan mixture.
Part 2: Roast to Golden Perfection
- Arrange on the Pan: Spread the coated shrimp in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t let them overlap, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast.
- Roast Hot and Fast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the cheese is melted and has formed a beautiful golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Immediately sprinkle the hot shrimp with the fresh chopped parsley. Serve right away and enjoy!
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Roasted Shrimp
These are the secrets to ensuring your shrimp is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan. This is non-negotiable! The pre-shredded kind in a bag contains anti-caking agents and will not melt into the same delicious, savory crust. Grating a block of Parmesan yourself makes all the difference.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan. Spreading the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each one is crucial. This allows hot air to circulate around each shrimp, roasting them and creating that golden crust. Overcrowding will trap steam and you’ll end up with soggy, pale shrimp.
- Do Not Overcook! Shrimp cook incredibly fast. The moment they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they are done. Overcooking them by even a minute can turn them from tender and juicy to tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them.
- Pat Your Shrimp Dry. Before adding the shrimp to the bowl, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. A drier surface will help the garlic-parmesan coating adhere better and will result in a better roast.
- Add Extra Brightness. As the notes suggest, adding the zest of the lemon along with the juice to the initial mixture adds an extra layer of bright, aromatic citrus oil that really makes the flavors pop.
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Shrimp
This dish is truly at its peak when enjoyed immediately, hot from the oven.
- Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Be very careful when reheating to avoid overcooking. The best method is to reheat them briefly in a skillet over low heat or in an oven set to 300°F just until warmed through.
FAQs: Your Roasted Shrimp Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure they are fully thawed before you begin. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or, for a quicker method, place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat them very dry before using.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
You can achieve a similar result, but it’s a bit different. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. In the last minute, add the garlic and other seasonings. The Parmesan crust won’t form in the same way, but it will still be a delicious garlic-parmesan shrimp scampi-style dish.
What should I serve with this shrimp?
It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bed of angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles to soak up the delicious pan sauce. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple risotto, a fresh green salad, or with some crusty bread for dipping.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
While Parmesan provides the best nutty, savory flavor and texture, you could substitute it with other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. I would avoid soft cheeses as they will just melt and become greasy.
Final Thoughts: Elegance Made Easy
There is a special kind of kitchen victory in creating a meal that looks and tastes incredibly elegant but was secretly effortless to make. This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is the perfect example of that magic. It’s a celebration of simple, bold flavors and a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of time to put a spectacular meal on the table. Enjoy every juicy, savory bite!
