Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: Easy Recipe & Perfect Side Dish

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly easy and flavorful dish that will become a weeknight staple! Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp, perfectly roasted and coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan crust. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While shrimp scampi, with its Italian roots, often takes center stage, this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese has been beloved for centuries, adding a savory depth to countless dishes across various cultures. Think of it as a modern, streamlined approach to a timeless flavor pairing.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. The shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings. The garlic and Parmesan create a crispy, golden crust that’s both satisfying and addictive. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a main course alongside pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless! Get ready to experience the magic of perfectly roasted shrimp with this unbelievably delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparing the Shrimp:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our shrimp. If you bought frozen shrimp, make sure they’re completely thawed. The best way to do this is to place them in a colander under cold running water for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re no longer frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is super important because dry shrimp will roast much better and get that nice, slightly crispy texture we’re after.

Now, take a look at your shrimp. Are they peeled and deveined? If not, you’ll need to do that. To peel, simply pull off the shell, starting from the legs. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Don’t worry if you miss a little bit – it’s not harmful, but it’s more aesthetically pleasing to remove it.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! The sauce is what gives these shrimp their incredible flavor. We’re going to combine melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and some seasonings to create a rich and savory coating.

1. In a medium bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Just be careful not to burn it!
2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. I like to use a garlic press for this, but you can also finely chop it. The smaller the pieces, the more flavor you’ll get.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure it’s finely grated so it melts evenly into the sauce.
4. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice. The olive oil adds richness, and the lemon juice brightens up the flavor and helps to balance the richness of the butter and cheese.
5. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.

Marinating the Shrimp:

Now that we have our delicious sauce, it’s time to let the shrimp soak up all that flavor. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness.

1. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in the bowl with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
2. Gently toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure every shrimp is well covered.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be, but don’t marinate them for too long (more than 30 minutes), as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Roasting the Shrimp:

Alright, it’s time to roast these beauties! Roasting is a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, and it gives them a slightly crispy exterior while keeping them juicy and tender inside.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the shrimp in, as this will help them cook evenly.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl over the shrimp. This will add even more flavor and help them to caramelize in the oven.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly curled. Keep a close eye on them, as they can overcook quickly. You want them to be cooked through but still tender.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! These Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp are best served immediately, while they’re still hot and juicy. I love to garnish them with fresh parsley and serve them with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As an appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Over pasta: Toss them with your favorite pasta and a little extra Parmesan cheese for a quick and easy meal.
• With rice: Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
• In tacos or wraps: Add them to tacos or wraps with your favorite toppings for a delicious and healthy meal.
• As a salad topping: Add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful boost.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Roast some vegetables along with the shrimp, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Use different cheese: Try using a different type of cheese, such as Asiago or Romano, for a different flavor.
• Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for a creamier texture.
• Broil for extra browning: For extra browning, broil the shrimp for the last minute or two of cooking time, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
• Use different types of shrimp: While I prefer large shrimp for this recipe, you can use smaller shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage:

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a minute or two, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheated shrimp may not be as tender as freshly cooked shrimp.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe isn’t just another shrimp dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of succulent shrimp, savory garlic, and salty Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of tastes that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor, it’s the sheer versatility. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the ingredients are readily available, so you don’t have to hunt down obscure spices or spend a fortune at the grocery store. It’s a win-win!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this delicious shrimp. For a simple and satisfying meal, toss the Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp with your favorite pasta – linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work beautifully. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. The nutty flavors of the grains complement the richness of the garlic and Parmesan perfectly. You could also create a vibrant salad by tossing the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:

* **Spicy Shrimp:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Herb Shrimp:** Incorporate lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
* **Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi:** Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after roasting the shrimp to create a luscious scampi sauce.
* **Shrimp Tacos:** Use the roasted shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy avocado sauce.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that you can always adjust the flavors to suit your personal preferences.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp for yourself. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments below, and let me know what variations you came up with. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create. Let me know if you added any extra spices or herbs, or if you served it with a unique side dish. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me improve my recipes and share even more delicious ideas with the world. Enjoy!

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