1-Step 1: Mix the marinade In a large bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 4 minced or pressed garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and the zest of 1 lemon. Stir everything together well so the oil carries the garlic and herbs evenly. This is the flavor base for your roasted shrimp.

2-Step 2: Coat the shrimp Add the 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until each piece is coated. If you are using pre-peeled shrimp, this part takes almost no time, which is why so many home cooks love this garlic parmesan shrimp recipe. Make sure the shrimp are evenly covered so every bite gets that garlicky, lemony flavor.

3-Step 3: Marinate in the fridge Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours. This is one of the most important parts of the recipe. The lemon zest adds freshness, but marinating too long can change the shrimp texture. A short marinating window gives you the best results for easy garlic parmesan roasted shrimp.

4-Step 4: Preheat the oven When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. A hot oven helps the shrimp roast quickly and keeps them juicy. If you like seafood dishes that cook fast, this is right up there with some of the easiest dinner wins in the kitchen.

5-Step 5: Add the Parmesan Toss the marinated shrimp with the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. The cheese will cling to the shrimp and help form a savory coating while roasting. This is where the dish really starts to smell amazing, and yes, people in other rooms will notice.

6-Step 6: Roast until done Pour the shrimp into a baking dish in a single layer. Roast for about 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them because shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. The best oven roasted garlic parmesan shrimp is tender, juicy, and just barely opaque in the center.

7-Step 7: Finish and serve Take the shrimp out of the oven and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped flat Italian parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve right away while they are hot. This dish tastes great with pasta, rice, vegetables, or a crisp salad, especially if you want an easy dinner that still feels a little fancy.