Succulent shrimp dance with a crispy, golden parmesan coating in this irresistible baked shrimp parmesan recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
Tender seafood meets a crunchy breadcrumb exterior, creating a mouthwatering melody of textures and tastes.
The magic happens when each plump shrimp gets lavished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and herbs.
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner gatherings.
Cheese lovers and seafood enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over every delectable bite.
This recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into a spectacular main course that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare.
Let’s find out a culinary adventure that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Baked Shrimp Parmesan Ingredient Checklist
For Protein:
Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood that serves as the star of the dish, best when large and deveined for easy eating and clean presentation.
For Cheese and Dairy:
Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, melty cheeses that provide creamy texture and deep savory flavor, with Parmesan adding sharp notes and mozzarella creating irresistible golden stretchy topping.
For Sauce and Seasonings:
Ciabatta Sauce: Robust tomato-based sauce that brings tangy Mediterranean warmth and moisture to the dish.
Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy fat that helps distribute heat and enhance overall flavor profile.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that amplifies the natural taste of shrimp and balances other ingredients.
For Garnish:
Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous green that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle peppery undertone to finish the dish.
Tools You’ll Need for Baked Shrimp Parmesan
Baking Sheet: Large non-stick surface for even shrimp cooking.
Paper Towels: Essential for drying shrimp completely before baking.
Measuring Tablespoon: Perfect for precise sauce and cheese portioning.
Broiler-Safe Baking Sheet: Allows final golden-brown toasting of the dish.
Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella.
Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping fresh parsley garnish.
Kitchen Tongs: Helpful for arranging shrimp and moving sheet in and out of oven.
How to Cook Shrimp Parmesan
Oven Preparation A warm environment of 400 degrees sets the perfect stage for this seafood adventure. Pat those ocean jewels completely dry, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
Baking Sheet Setup Coat a non-stick pan with a whisper of olive oil. Spread the shrimp like elegant dancers across the surface, giving each one breathing room.
Flavor Layering Season with salt and pepper, then crown each shrimp with a dollop of rich marinara sauce. Blanket generously with melty mozzarella, creating a creamy landscape that promises deliciousness.
Cheese Magic Shower the entire creation with Parmesan's salty crystals. A light drizzle of olive oil adds a glistening finish that promises crispy edges.
Cooking Journey Slide the pan into the heated oven, letting magic happen for 12-16 minutes. Watch carefully as the shrimp transform from translucent to opaque.
Golden Finale Activate the broiler for a quick 1-3 minute dance, turning the top a gorgeous golden brown. The transformation will be breathtaking.
Presentation Sprinkle fresh parsley like confetti. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread with a crisp salad for a complete meal that tells a delicious story.
Shrimp Parmesan Cooking Tips & Recipe Twists
Select large or jumbo-sized shrimp for the best texture and easiest eating experience. Frozen shrimp work perfectly when thawed completely and patted dry.
Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to add unique flavor profiles to your dish.
Add red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the shrimp before baking for an extra kick of flavor that transforms the entire meal.
Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free version that still delivers incredible crunch and taste.
Prepare the shrimp up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving to save time during busy weeknight dinners.
Elegant Ways to Serve Shrimp Parmesan
Seafood Feast Companion: Serve with a bed of linguine tossed in garlic butter sauce, creating a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal that complements the shrimp's rich flavors.
Fresh Salad Pairing: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy shrimp and cutting through the richness of the dish.
Rustic Bread Sidekick: Slice some crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect crunchy texture and additional flavor to your meal.
Wine Elevation: Select a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the seafood's delicate taste and add a sophisticated touch to your dinner experience.
Save & Store Baked Shrimp Parmesan Properly
Quick Batch Prep: Cook extra shrimp during your initial preparation, storing them in sealed containers for fast weeknight meals or quick lunch additions.
Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover baked shrimp Parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention when reheated gently.
Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated shrimp in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain original juiciness.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Allow cooled shrimp to completely chill, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, where they'll maintain quality for approximately 2 weeks when properly sealed.
Succulent Baked Shrimp Parmesan combines tender seafood with rich Italian cheese and herbs. Crispy breadcrumb coating and golden parmesan create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) large shrimp (26–30 count, deveined with tails off)
1.5 cups (340 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsps (30 ml) Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups (340 ml) marinara sauce
2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly dry shrimp with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
Arrangement: Lightly oil a baking sheet and spread shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer, ensuring optimal heat distribution.
Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over shrimp, then top each piece with a layer of marinara sauce for enhanced flavor profile.
Cheese Coverage: Uniformly distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the shrimp, creating a complete and rich cheese blanket.
Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle a delicate stream of olive oil over the prepared dish to promote golden-brown caramelization and depth of taste.
Baking Process: Roast in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, monitoring shrimp for perfect doneness and translucent white coloration.
Broiling Finish: Activate broiler and carefully watch as the cheese transforms into a golden, slightly crispy topping within 1-3 minutes.
Presentation: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately alongside complementary sides like pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread, with a crisp green salad.
Notes
Pat Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures crispy, perfectly cooked shrimp without watery texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Keep shrimp in a single layer to prevent steaming and promote even browning and crispy edges.
Monitor Baking Time: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overdone; watch carefully to prevent rubbery texture.
Broiling Technique: Brief broiling creates a golden, crispy cheese topping that elevates the entire dish’s flavor and presentation.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.