This guide walks you through how to make Easy Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce. You’ll get the story behind the recipe, a breakdown of ingredients, foolproof cooking instructions, and quick answers to common questions. This cheesy, garlicky shrimp dish is quick, delicious, and perfect for busy nights.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Parmesan Shrimp Love from the First Bite
I still remember the first time I made Parmesan shrimp. It was a rainy Tuesday evening, and I had exactly 30 minutes before friends came over. I had a bag of shrimp, some Parmesan cheese, and garlic — always in the kitchen. I tossed it all together with melted butter and paprika, threw it into the oven, and hoped for the best.
The result? Golden, buttery shrimp with crispy Parmesan edges that disappeared in minutes. My guests asked for the recipe on the spot. Ever since then, this dish became part of our weeknight dinner rotation. It’s one of those recipes you know will never fail — like our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls, it’s quick, punchy, and seriously satisfying.
Why the Garlic Butter Sauce Wins Every Time
What makes these baked Parmesan shrimp so special is the garlic butter sauce. It’s bold, rich, and doesn’t require hours on the stove. Garlic and melted butter are the dream team here. When you add freshly grated Parmesan, you get a golden finish that’s hard to beat. This dish isn’t trying to be fancy — it’s just honestly delicious, with flavor in every bite.
That garlic-Parmesan combo also shows up in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes, which proves it’s a flavor pairing that works with everything.
Ingredients & Prep
What You’ll Need for Baked Parmesan Shrimp
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Here’s what goes into the magic:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Stick with fresh grated Parmesan — pre-shredded won’t give you the same crisp top. And if you like shrimp in creamy sauces, our 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp is another fantastic shortcut meal.
Prep Tips That Make All the Difference
Make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted completely dry. This helps them bake instead of steam. Toss them in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Then, arrange them on a baking dish. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle Parmesan over the entire tray.
For best results, use a shallow baking dish or a parchment-lined sheet pan. Keep everything in a single layer so the shrimp cook evenly.
Print
Easy Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy baked Parmesan shrimp in garlic butter sauce is quick, cheesy, and full of flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place shrimp in a baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over them.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over shrimp.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cheese starts to brown.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for crispier topping. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and texture. Serve with garlic bread or over salad for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shrimp
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: baked parmesan shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp dinner, cheesy shrimp
How to Bake It Right
Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes. They should turn pink and the cheese will melt and start to brown slightly. Shrimp cook fast, so watch closely. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery — and nobody wants that.
For even more flavor, spoon some of the melted garlic butter over the shrimp right after baking. If you’ve tried dishes like our Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes, you know garlic butter makes everything better.
Broiling Tips for a Crispy Parmesan Finish
If you want extra texture, turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye — the cheese can go from golden to burnt fast. Broiling gives that bubbly, crispy finish that’s just right.
Serve it hot out of the oven with rice, pasta, or even over salad. It reheats well, too — just warm gently in the oven to keep the texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and dry them well before cooking.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best. They hold up better in the oven and give more bite.
Do I have to broil it?
No, but it helps give the cheese a crisp top. Skip it if you prefer a softer texture.
How long will leftovers last?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture or enjoy cold in a salad.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Parmesan Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce is the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to. It’s fast, simple, and full of flavor — no deep frying, no breading, just honest ingredients done right. Whether you’re cooking for guests or craving something cheesy and garlicky midweek, this dish delivers every time.
Pair it with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad. And if you’re still hungry for more, don’t miss our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls — they bring the same punchy flavors in a different direction.