This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for any shrimp lovers! Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is packed with flavor and takes just 15 minutes to make. It can be served with whatever whole grains and vegetables your family enjoys!

(This recipe was originally published in May 2012, but was updated with new content and photos in 2021).
Back in summer 2011, I declared it "the summer of shrimp." And I'm happy to announce that 10 years later, I'm still having the summer of shrimp. Even in the winter, fall, and spring.
We eat shrimp nearly every week in our house, in part because it's delicious, in part because it's incredibly versatile, and in part because it's so easy to cook.
This shrimp recipe is quite simple, but the kind of dinner that works in any season and that your whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fans of shrimp will love how simple this recipe is. The flavor of the shrimp really shines amongst the touches of complementary lemon, garlic, and parmesan flavors.
It's pretty rare that I enjoy shrimp with cheese and most seafood recipes, in general, are sans cheese... But a light sprinkling of parmesan cheese really works in this recipe.
You'll find a lot of lemon garlic shrimp recipes served over pasta. And you can certainly put this shrimp over a bed of pasta if you want. But I like it served over a whole grain like wild rice with a vegetable on the side (if you like wild rice as much as I do, also try this Wild Rice and Chicken Sausage Stew!).
Of course, another fabulous thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply cook the shrimp in garlic butter and then toss with lemon, parsley, and parmesan.
It's the perfect weeknight dinner and so easy to cook in a pinch! I always have all the ingredients on hand (including a bag of shrimp in my freezer!), so can make it any time.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Like I mentioned, this shrimp recipe is really easy to cook!
Start by mixing together lemon juice, parsley, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.
Now, melt your butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and let cook for about 2-3 minutes, until garlic is fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Add the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the butter and garlic. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are cooked through and pink.
Add lemon mixture to pan and toss to coat.
And that's it!
Is that not the easiest thing you've ever heard in your life? I want to eat these shrimp right out of the pan!
What to Serve with Shrimp
But I suppose I should serve the shrimp on plates with a side or two. And offer them to my family.
Here's what I like to serve with these lemon garlic parmesan shrimp:
- Wild Rice
- Quinoa
- White or Brown Rice
- Cauliflower Rice
- Pasta
- Broccoli
- Sautéed Spinach
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
Once you plate your shrimp, make sure you drizzle some more of the sauce over it.
It's funny how a little lemon, garlic, parsley, and parmesan can have such a HUGE impact.
This shrimp is crazy flavorful and, though it's quite simple, it tastes like a dish I'd be thrilled to get in a restaurant. I cooked it in under 15 minutes and gobbled it up even more quickly.
And it's now on regular rotation in my home.
More Shrimp Recipes
If you want to have a "summer of shrimp" or a "year of shrimp," too, I have plenty of other shrimp recipes you can add to your regular dinner rotation. Here are some of my favorites:
- Steak and Shrimp Scampi (great for special occasions!)
- Shrimp and Feta Orzo Salad
- Chilled Mexican Corn Bisque with Shrimp
- Shrimp Scampi Pizza
- Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
- Tequila Jalapeño Shrimp
- Indian Style Shrimp and Rice
- Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Salad
- Honey Walnut Shrimp (from Chisel and Fork)
- Shrimp and Couscous Salad (from Jenny Shea Rawn)
And that's just the beginning! I think I could offer you 52 shrimp recipes to get you through the year eating shrimp every single week.
You game?
But no matter how many ways I eat shrimp, I always seem to come back to this lemon garlic parmesan shrimp.
Sometimes simple really is best!
How often do you eat shrimp?
📖 Recipe
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp)
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined (I use jumbo, but you can use any size you prefer)
Instructions
- Mix together lemon juice, parsley, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and once butter is melted, add minced garlic to pan. Let garlic cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the butter and garlic. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are cooked through and pink.
- Add lemon mixture to pan and toss to coat.
- Serve shrimp over wild rice, brown rice, or quinoa with a vegetable side. Spoon sauce from pan over shrimp.
Michelle says
Between work and wedding-planning, I've had the same attitude in the kitchen lately. This shrimp looks great!
Megan says
This looks so good! I never cook shrimp at home because Jeff is allergic, but I so wish I could. I feel like there are so many easy, delicious meals to be made with shrimp. And I completely understand the wedding planning taking over... simple recipes are great right now!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I agree that shirmp is very summery! If I had a lot of time in the kitchen, I'll probably crank out baked good after baked good 🙂
Kelly says
I have to admit I don't eat nearly enough shrimp, and without any good reason. I love the simplicity of this dish - it makes it sound very summer appropriate.
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
I am in love with Parmesan and shrimp these data so this will be making an appearance on our table soon!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
Lemon screams summer to me! What a delish recipe. You can never go wrong with shrimp (or seafood in general in my opinion 🙂 ).
Denee' says
This looks easy and delicious! Where was this recipe yesterday when I was standing in front of a pile of shrimp trying to figure out what to cook for my mom's birthday? haha!
sarah k. @ the pajama chef says
this looks awesome. yum!
Gia Grossman says
Shrimp is one of my favorite foods but I don't cook it enough in my home. This does look pretty simple and yummy. I am going to try!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
please make pain au chocolat!!! i wanna see!!!
Susan says
I love shrimp! This looks wonderful!
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Angie says
Just made this for dinner tonight and it was so good, and so simple. Will definitely be making this often. Thanks!
bobg says
short & sweet, nice. I served with collard greens & wahani brown rice... yummy!