This quick, healthy dinner features tender, juicy shrimp baked in a rich, bubbling garlic butter sauce and topped with a golden, crispy parmesan crust. It is a foolproof recipe that comes together in minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
📋 Ingredients
The Seafood: 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
The Garlic Butter Base:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
The Crispy Topping:
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or traditional breadcrumbs)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
The Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
🥣 Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp sear and roast beautifully instead of steaming in the oven. Arrange the shrimp in a single, even layer inside your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Pour this rich mixture evenly all over the shrimp.
Step 4: Add the Savory Crust
In another small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this savory mixture over the top of the buttered shrimp.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or just until the shrimp turn a perfect opaque pink and the parmesan topping is golden brown and bubbling. Avoid overcooking so the shrimp stay beautifully tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, scatter the fresh chopped parsley over the hot dish, and serve immediately. This dish pairs spectacularly over a bed of warm pasta, rice, or alongside a crusty piece of bread to soak up all that incredible garlic butter sauce!