Sometimes you need a recipe that is lightning-fast, incredibly easy, and elegant enough to impress guests—or just make a Tuesday night feel special. This Cheesy Baked Shrimp is exactly that recipe. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, all tucked under a golden, bubbly blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with a crispy Panko topping. It’s a dish that delivers huge on flavor with ridiculously little effort.

On a warm June evening when you want to spend less time in a hot kitchen and more time enjoying the day, this dish is a lifesaver. It comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone reaching for more bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce. Whether you serve it as a show-stopping appetizer or a light main course, this is destined to become a staple in your rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed. It’s my secret weapon for last-minute company. It looks and tastes incredibly gourmet, but only you will know that it took just a few minutes to throw together. The combination of classic flavors—garlic, butter, lemon, and parsley—is timeless and always a crowd-pleaser.

What really takes it over the top is the textural contrast. You get the tender snap of the perfectly cooked shrimp, the velvety richness of the garlic butter sauce, the satisfying pull of melted mozzarella, and the delightful crunch of the golden-brown Panko breadcrumbs. It’s a complete sensory experience in a single baking dish.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, powerful ingredients to create something special.

• 1.5 lbs Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter
• 6-8 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Dry White Wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or Chicken Broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped Fresh Parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs

Swaps and Notes:

• Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this dish. You can use fresh or frozen; if using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted very dry.
• Wine/Broth: The white wine adds a wonderful depth and acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken or vegetable broth is a perfect substitute.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the butter along with the garlic.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch, but regular or Italian-style breadcrumbs will also work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is key for getting a good texture. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
5. Assemble the Dish: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish.
6. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, toss together the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp and sauce.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important rule of cooking shrimp. They cook very quickly! As soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
2. Pat Your Shrimp Dry: Removing excess moisture from the shrimp prevents them from steaming in the oven and helps them bake to a perfect tender-crisp texture.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: With a simple recipe like this, the quality of your ingredients shines through. Fresh garlic (not the jarred kind) and fresh parsley will provide the best, most vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

The sauce in this dish is liquid gold, so serving it with something to soak it all up is a must.

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or slices of sourdough are the perfect companions.
• Pasta: Serve the baked shrimp and all the sauce over a bed of angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, this is delicious over zucchini noodles.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp beautifully.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Storage: Seafood is always best eaten fresh on the day it’s made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the oven at 300°F just until warmed through.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, savory dishes that are packed with flavor, you’ll love these other recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out this Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• When you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders are the answer.
• Craving a cozy classic? This Instant Pot Lasagna is comfort food at its speediest.
• For a true Sunday dinner classic, try these Easy Turkey Wings.
• And you can never go wrong with a perfect Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Shrimp proves that you don’t need a lot of time or a long list of complicated ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. It’s a dish that’s elegant enough for a dinner party but fast enough for any night of the week. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become one of your new favorites.

I’d love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below.