If Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp has ever caught your eye on a menu and made you think, “I could never pull that off at home,” let me lovingly stop you right there. You absolutely can. And you don’t need fancy tools, a culinary degree, or the patience of a saint.
This is one of those recipes that feels a little “restaurant-y” (hello, Parmesan + garlic + lemon magic), but it’s secretly a quick fix for busy nights when everyone is hungry right now. It’s also perfect for those moments when you want to look like you tried really hard… without actually trying really hard. (My favorite kind of flex.)
So let’s make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp together—fast, flavorful, and with minimal dishes. Because if I can save you from scrubbing a pan at 8:45 PM, I will.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
- It’s ridiculously quick. We’re talking 8–10 minutes in the oven. Faster than your group chat can decide where to eat.
- Big flavor, tiny effort. Garlic, smoked paprika, Parmesan, parsley, lemon—this combo does the heavy lifting.
- Easy cleanup. Parchment paper = you’re not glued to the sink later.
- Great for picky eaters (and fancy eaters). It’s not spicy, but it’s not boring either.
- Works as dinner or party food. Serve it with pasta, salad, rice, or just toothpicks and call it “appetizers.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe (aka: simple, normal groceries that don’t require a scavenger hunt).
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Quick note from my kitchen: If your shrimp are frozen, no stress. Just thaw them first (I’ll tell you how in the tips section).
Step-by-Step: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
This is the part where you realize you’re basically a kitchen wizard.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
This little step is what makes cleanup easier and helps the shrimp roast instead of steam. (Because nobody asked for soggy shrimp.)
Step 2: Toss Shrimp with Seasonings
In a large bowl, mix together:
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- smoked paprika
- salt
- pepper
Add the shrimp and toss until every shrimp is evenly coated.
Tip: Use a big bowl so you’re not flinging shrimp like confetti. Unless you want to feed the dog too.
Step 3: Add Parmesan & Parsley
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the shrimp. Toss gently so the cheese sticks to the shrimp without breaking them apart.
You’ll notice the Parmesan clinging to the shrimp like it has something to prove. That’s exactly what we want.
Step 4: Roast in the Oven
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 8–10 minutes, until they’re pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
Watch closely after minute 8. Shrimp go from “perfect” to “rubbery” faster than a toddler changes their mind about dinner.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Transfer shrimp to a serving plate, sprinkle on extra parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve with lemon wedges.
That lemon squeeze at the end? It’s the bright little sparkle that makes everything taste like you meant to do it that way.
Cooking Tips From My Very Real-Life Kitchen
Because sometimes the recipe is easy… but life is not.
1) Don’t overcook the shrimp
Shrimp are done when they’re pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C.” If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked. (Still edible, just less tender. We’ve all been there.)
2) Use finely grated Parmesan
The powdery, finely grated Parmesan melts and sticks better than big shreds. Big shreds can slide off like they’re trying to escape responsibility.
3) Thaw frozen shrimp fast
Put shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5–8 minutes, tossing occasionally. Pat them dry afterward—dry shrimp roast better.
4) Line the pan
Parchment paper is the “future you” gift. Less mess, more crispy edges, fewer regrets.
5) Make it a meal without extra work
Pair your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp with:
- angel hair pasta + a drizzle of olive oil
- rice or quinoa
- a bagged Caesar salad (no shame!)
- roasted broccoli or asparagus on the same pan
Yes, you can roast veggies alongside—just give them a 10-minute head start.
A Little Story From Aneta’s Kitchen
This dish became my go-to on those evenings when I wanted something that felt special… but I also didn’t want to cook a “whole thing.”
The first time I made Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp, I was in one of those moods where the fridge looked empty (even though it wasn’t), and I needed dinner to happen fast. I tossed shrimp with garlic and oil, added Parmesan because I add Parmesan to basically everything, and popped it in the oven.
The smell alone made it feel like I had my life together. Like I had candles lit and matching socks. (I did not. But the shrimp didn’t need to know that.)
Now it’s one of my favorite “busy night” recipes because it delivers every single time.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Pre-cooked shrimp can turn rubbery quickly in the oven. If that’s what you have, reduce roasting time to 2–4 minutes, just to warm and coat.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano (saltier, sharper) or even grated Asiago. The flavor changes a bit, but it’s still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Place leftover Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently (microwave in short bursts or warm in a skillet). Overheating will make them tough.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp (toss with oil, garlic, spices) a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add Parmesan and parsley right before roasting for best texture.
What can I serve with it?
This shrimp loves pasta, rice bowls, salads, tacos, or even crusty bread. And yes—dipping bread into the garlicky pan juices is basically a required side dish.
Bring a Little Magic to Dinner Tonight
If you need a dinner that feels fancy but behaves like a weeknight recipe, Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is the answer. It’s fast, flavorful, and honestly… kind of a confidence boost. Like, “Look at me making seafood like a functional adult.”
Make it once and I promise it’ll sneak into your regular rotation—especially on those nights when time is tight and everyone’s hungry. Serve it with lemon, sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan, and enjoy the fact that you just pulled off Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp with almost no effort.
And if you try it, tell me—are you a “extra garlic” person or an “I measure garlic with my heart” person? (No wrong answers here.)
Keep the Garlic-Parmesan Love Going
- If you’re craving a cozy side that practically begs to be scooped up with those lemony, garlicky juices, try these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes (crispy, buttery, and perfect for dipping).
- Want to turn tonight into a “fancy but easy” dinner? Pair your shrimp with Creamy Lemon Feta Pasta (bright, creamy, and weeknight-friendly)—it’s a match made in skillet heaven.
- If you loved the lemon + garlic vibe and want another seafood dinner that feels special, you’ll adore Shrimp Tortellini in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce (rich, saucy, and so comforting).
- Got leftovers (lucky you)? Tuck them into lunch with Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps (quick, crunchy, and totally portable)—because future-you deserves something delicious too.
And if you made this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a quick star rating (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and a short review so other readers know what to expect!
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a quick, oven-baked dish made with juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Ready in minutes and packed with bold flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt, to taste
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
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Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Roast for 8–10 minutes, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
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Remove from oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and can turn rubbery.
Finely grated Parmesan works best for even coating.
Serve with pasta, rice, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Seafood
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg