Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Dinner

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Ultra cheesy, seriously garlicky, and ridiculously easy—this dish delivers bold flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree.

Picture this: plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a velvety cream sauce loaded with two types of cheese, fragrant garlic, and just the right amount of spice. The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish, creating those irresistible golden-brown edges and bubbling cheese that make comfort food so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy Tuesday or impressing dinner guests on the weekend, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake lies in its simplicity and smart flavor combinations. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly, making them perfect for last-minute dinners. The creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every piece, while the mozzarella adds that melty, stretchy cheese pull we all love. Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic depth, and a hint of paprika brings both color and a subtle smokiness.

This isn’t just another shrimp recipe—it’s a complete meal solution. Serve it over pasta for a seafood feast, with crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce, or alongside fluffy rice to soak up every drop. The versatility makes it ideal for meal planning, and leftovers (if you have any) reheat beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

When shopping for shrimp, look for large or jumbo sizes—they hold up better during baking and provide that satisfying bite. Pre-peeled and deveined shrimp save time, but if you’re buying shell-on, the extra prep is worth it for peak freshness. Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe; just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.

For the cheese, freshly grated Parmesan delivers superior flavor and melting quality compared to pre-grated versions. The mozzarella adds creaminess and that signature cheese stretch, but you could substitute with provolone or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. If you’re watching calories, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

The garlic is non-negotiable in this recipe—it’s the flavor foundation. Fresh cloves are essential; jarred minced garlic won’t deliver the same aromatic punch. Don’t skip the paprika either; it adds visual appeal and a gentle warmth that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—you want it fully heated before the dish goes in. Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make the sauce watery. Once dry, place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.

The paprika does double duty here: it gives the shrimp a gorgeous color while adding a subtle smoky-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood. Don’t be shy with the seasoning at this stage—shrimp need assertive flavoring to really shine. Set the seasoned shrimp aside while you prepare the sauce.

Create the Aromatic Garlic Base

Heat a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, then toss in your minced garlic. This is where the magic begins. Cook the garlic for about 60-90 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma and the garlic turns fragrant and just barely golden.

Timing matters here—undercooked garlic tastes sharp and raw, while burnt garlic becomes bitter. Watch it closely and trust your nose. That heavenly scent signals you’re ready for the next step.

Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the garlic, stirring to combine. Let it warm for about a minute, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the Parmesan cheese first, whisking until it melts into the cream and creates a smooth base. Follow with the mozzarella, stirring continuously as it melts into silky, stretchy perfection.

If you want a touch of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. They add just enough warmth to balance the richness without overwhelming the dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper—remember that Parmesan is salty, so you might need less than you think.

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it seems too thick, add a splash of cream or a tablespoon of pasta water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute to reduce slightly.

Assemble Your Bake

Choose a baking dish that gives your shrimp room to spread out in a single layer—overcrowding leads to steaming instead of baking. Pour about half of the creamy cheese sauce into the bottom of your prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange the seasoned shrimp on top in a single layer, ensuring each piece makes contact with the sauce. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the shrimp, making sure everything gets a generous coating.

Sprinkle half of the fresh parsley over the top—save the rest for garnish after baking. The parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.

Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for shrimp that have turned pink and opaque, with the sauce bubbling around the edges. Shrimp cook fast, so check at the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking, which makes them rubbery.

The cheese should be melted and starting to form golden spots, while the cream sauce thickens slightly from the oven’s heat. These visual cues tell you the dish is almost ready for its final transformation.

The Broiler Finish

For that restaurant-quality presentation, switch your oven to broil and move the rack to the upper third position. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully through the oven door. You want the top layer of cheese to develop golden-brown spots and the shrimp to take on a light char.

This step is optional but highly recommended—it adds textural contrast and deepens the flavor with gentle caramelization. Just don’t walk away; broilers work fast and the line between perfectly golden and burnt is thin.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the shrimp are hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake shines as a versatile main course. Spoon it over linguine or fettuccine for a seafood pasta dinner that rivals any Italian restaurant. Serve alongside crusty French bread or garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop.

For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The sauce is rich enough that you don’t need much else on the plate. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh contrast to balance the creamy richness.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or use the microwave at 50% power to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. The sauce may separate slightly when cold but will come back together when reheated.

Recipe Variations

Transform this base recipe into different flavor profiles with simple swaps. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a Mediterranean twist, or stir in a tablespoon of pesto before baking. Replace the mozzarella with Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the whole dish.

For extra vegetables, toss in halved cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers before baking. They’ll soften in the sauce and add freshness to each bite.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: ~420 per serving | Protein: ~30g per serving