Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

Creamy garlic butter baked shrimp combines seasoned shrimp, lemon garlic butter, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan in one baking dish. The oven cooks the shrimp while the cheese melts into a bubbling topping. Parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the table can brighten the rich sauce.

This recipe takes about 25 minutes and needs little stovetop work because the butter is melted before assembly. Prepare your side dish first so the shrimp can be served as soon as they are cooked. Jump to the recipe card for measurements and the complete baking method.

Why This Baked Shrimp Recipe Works

The ingredients are layered rather than cooked separately in a skillet. Paprika seasons the shrimp directly, garlic butter adds flavor around them, and heavy cream forms the base of the sauce. Mozzarella brings a soft melted topping, while Parmesan adds a sharper savory note.

A single layer is useful here. Shrimp piled on top of one another can cook unevenly, while a dish that is much too large spreads the cream thinly. Choose a baking dish that holds the listed quantity comfortably, with room for the sauce and cheese without crowding.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Topping

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Shrimp and Cheese Notes

Use large peeled, deveined shrimp as listed. If frozen, thaw according to the packaging, drain, and pat dry before assembly. Excess surface water can make the sauce thinner than intended. This method starts with raw shrimp; already cooked shrimp need different timing to avoid overcooking.

Have both cheeses measured before you begin. Mozzarella and Parmesan serve different roles, so keep them separate for the layering step. Taste any accompaniments before adding more salt to the meal because Parmesan already contributes seasoning to the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Season evenly with the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Check that the shrimp are spread out rather than stacked together in the center.

2. Add Lemon Garlic Butter

Whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour the mixture evenly over the shrimp, distributing the garlic rather than leaving it in one patch. The butter should be melted enough to pour without needing to heat the entire assembled dish on the stove.

3. Layer the Cream and Cheese

Pour the heavy cream around and over the shrimp, coating the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across the top, then finish with the Parmesan. Keep the topping distributed across the dish so each serving includes shrimp, sauce, and cheese.

4. Bake and Check the Shrimp

Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Check toward the earlier end of the window because shrimp size and baking dishes differ. Do not use bubbling cream alone as proof that the seafood is ready.

5. Finish and Serve

If you want a lightly golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely. Skip this optional step if the shrimp are already ready and you are happy with the topping. Scatter with parsley and serve promptly, spooning the garlic cream sauce over each portion.

Tips for the Sauce and Topping

Keep the shrimp in one layer and avoid adding them while still icy. A wet or crowded dish changes how the sauce heats and can make the cooking less predictable. Prepare the garlic, cheeses, and garnish first so assembly is quick once the shrimp are ready.

Broiling is a finishing step rather than a substitute for baking the shrimp through. It colors the surface quickly, so remain nearby and check the topping continuously. A baking dish used under the broiler must be suitable for that heat; follow its manufacturer’s instructions.

The sauce is rich and creamy rather than a thick, flour-based gravy. Spoon it over the shrimp when serving and let rice, pasta, or bread catch the extra. Avoid leaving the dish in the oven to thicken the sauce after the seafood has finished cooking.

What to Serve with Baked Shrimp

Plain rice or pasta makes good use of the sauce without competing with the garlic and cheeses. Crusty bread is another option, especially if serving smaller portions as a starter. A crisp green salad or simple vegetables balance the richness of the baking dish.

For another cheesy shrimp dinner, see Cajun garlic butter shrimp with cheesy spaghetti. If you prefer a crunchy shrimp appetizer with sauce on the side, try crispy garlic Parmesan shrimp with creamy dip. Both offer a different texture from this creamy bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe Card