Baked Shrimp Parmesan Recipe

The Perfect Baked Shrimp Parmesan Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Baked shrimp parmesan changes ordinary seafood into a mouthwatering Mediterranean-style feast that delights the senses.

Succulent shellfish get a luxurious makeover with crunchy, golden coating and a robust sauce that tingles taste buds.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and complex flavor profiles that elevate home cooking.

Delicate protein meets crisp breadcrumbs in a dance of culinary creativity that feels sophisticated yet approachable.

Family and friends will marvel at this elegant meal that looks impressive but requires minimal kitchen skills.

Weekend dinners or special occasions deserve something extraordinary that doesn’t demand hours of preparation.

Prepare to change an ordinary meal into an unforgettable dining experience.

Why Baked Shrimp Parmesan Feels Like a Fancy Night In

  • Speed Up Dinner: This quick and easy shrimp dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan creates a mouthwatering blend of cheesy, tangy goodness that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy entree.
  • Protein-Packed Perfection: Loaded with 32 grams of protein and minimal carbs, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger while supporting muscle health and keeping you full longer.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Easily served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish adapts to whatever you're craving and makes for a flexible dinner solution that works with multiple side dishes.

Ingredients That Bring Shrimp Parmesan to Life

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for easy eating and quick cooking.
Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy topping.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Hard, salty cheese that adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the dish.
Seasonings and Oils:
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall seasoning.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor.
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy tomato base for the shrimp.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding a pop of color.

How to Bake Crispy, Cheesy Shrimp Parmesan Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare The Oven and Shrimp

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Use paper towels to completely dry the shrimp, removing any excess moisture.

Step 2: Arrange Shrimp on Baking Sheet

Lightly coat a large non-stick baking sheet with olive oil. Spread the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Step 3: Season and Top Shrimp

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimp. Add toppings to each shrimp:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese

Distribute the cheese evenly across all shrimp.

Step 4: Add Final Cheese and Oil

Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top of the entire dish.

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Bake for 12 to 16 minutes. To check doneness, remove and test one shrimp – it should be pink and slightly curled.

Step 6: Broil for Golden Finish

Turn on the broiler. Watch carefully and broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the tops turn golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread, accompanied by a fresh salad.

Tips to Get That Golden Top and Juicy Shrimp Every Time

  • Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture completely to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges and prevent watery cooking.
  • Space Evenly: Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper heat circulation and even browning.
  • Cheese Distribution: Layer sauce and cheese carefully to cover each shrimp completely for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Watch Broiling Time: Monitor closely during the final 1-3 minutes to prevent burning, as shrimp cook quickly and can become tough.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Shrimp Parmesan the Smart Way

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover shrimp parmesan into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store carefully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain optimal freshness and food safety.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Place shrimp in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 2 minutes to help crisp the cheese topping.
  • Microwave Option: When you need a quick reheat, place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and warm in 30-second intervals.

What to Serve with This Cheesy Seafood Favorite

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy shrimp and complements its delicate seafood flavor.
  • Match with Rustic Bread Side: Grab a warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
  • Create Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a bright, peppery note that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Serve with Herb-Infused Rice: Cook a simple herbed rice pilaf that absorbs the savory sauce and provides a mild, complementary base for the flavorful baked shrimp parmesan.

Shrimp Parmesan Variations to Keep Things Interesting

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace marinara sauce with tzatziki, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired seafood experience.
  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Mix chipotle sauce with tomato base, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and add chopped jalapeños for a zesty kick that transforms the original recipe.
  • Coconut Curry Craze: Incorporate Thai red curry paste into the sauce, use coconut milk for added richness, top with shredded coconut, and replace Parmesan with a light sprinkle of cilantro for an exotic seafood journey.
  • Garlic Herb Heaven: Blend roasted garlic into the sauce, mix fresh basil and thyme into the cheese topping, and finish with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil to elevate the classic shrimp recipe.
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Baked Shrimp Parmesan Recipe

Baked Shrimp Parmesan Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Baked Shrimp Parmesan delivers Italian coastal flavors with crispy, golden breadcrumb-coated shrimp nestled in melted cheese. Mediterranean comfort meets quick weeknight elegance, drawing palates to a simple yet sophisticated seafood classic you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp (2630 count, deveined with tails off)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 ½ cups (340 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1 ½ cups (340 ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Lightly grease a large non-stick baking sheet with olive oil, carefully arranging the shrimp in a single, even layer without overcrowding.
  3. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then top each piece with approximately of marinara sauce.
  4. Distribute of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each shrimp, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the entire dish, creating a uniform layer of cheese.
  6. Drizzle a light amount of olive oil over the prepared shrimp to enhance flavor and promote even browning.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, checking the doneness by carefully removing and inspecting one shrimp.
  8. Activate the broiler and watch closely, broiling the dish for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
  10. Serve immediately alongside pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread, accompanied by a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Cheese creates a mouthwatering golden crust that transforms ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle richness to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors.
  • Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer that complements the tangy Parmesan topping.
  • Quick broiling gives the top a gorgeous caramelized finish, bringing depth and visual appeal to the meal.
  • Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness and provides a pop of color.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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