Crispy Baked Shrimp Parmesan Delight
This Crispy Baked Shrimp Parmesan Delight is a family favorite, combining succulent shrimp with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce. A comforting one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or special celebrations, it is as versatile as it is delicious. Prepare everything up to baking, chill it in the refrigerator, then pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve! Pair it with crusty garlic bread for a fulfilling dinner or create delicious Shrimp Parmesan sandwiches for a unique twist. With layers of shrimp and cheese baked to perfection, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra large shrimp
1.5 lbs (peeled and butterflied)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (seasoned with salt and Old Bay seasoning)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon (mixed with flour)
Well-seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4-1 cup (with Italian spices)
Panko breadcrumbs
3/4-1 cup
Parmesan cheese
3/4-1 cup (shredded)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons
Olive oil
for frying (sufficient to cover bottom of the pan)
Mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (grated)
Italian tomato sauce
3-4 cups (your favorite brand or homemade)
Pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente (angel hair is recommended))
Olive oil
to drizzle (throughout the pasta)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the shrimp by opening them like a book and removing the dark vein.
3
In a zip lock bag, combine the flour with salt and Old Bay seasoning. Add the shrimp, seal the bag, and shake to coat them evenly.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise until smooth.
5
In the same zip lock bag, combine the leftover seasoned flour with the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
6
Dip each floured shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
7
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
8
Working in batches, brown the breaded shrimp in the hot oil until golden and crisp, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9
In a large baking dish, spread 1/3 of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
10
Add the cooked al dente pasta on top of the sauce, mixing with a drizzle of olive oil.
11
Spoon another 1/3 of the marinara sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is well-covered.
12
Arrange the crispy shrimp in a single layer on top of the pasta.
13
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the shrimp.
14
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella layer, followed by a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
15
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Shrimp Parmesan Delight?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines succulent shrimp with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese served over pasta.
What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of extra large shrimp, peeled and butterflied.
How do I prepare the shrimp before breading?
You should open the shrimp like a book (butterfly them) and remove the dark vein.
What is the purpose of using Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is mixed with the flour to add a savory and slightly spicy depth of flavor to the shrimp coating.
Can I use a different seasoning instead of Old Bay?
Yes, you can substitute it with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or your favorite seafood spice blend.
Why do you mix mayonnaise with the eggs?
Whisking mayonnaise into the eggs creates a thicker, richer binder that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better to the shrimp.
What kind of breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe uses a combination of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and well-seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for flavor.
What types of cheese are used in this dish?
The recipe uses shredded Parmesan cheese for the breading and topping, and 16 ounces of grated mozzarella cheese for layering.
How do I brown the shrimp?
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and fry the breaded shrimp in batches until golden and crisp.
Can I bake the shrimp without frying them first?
While frying ensures a crunchy texture, you could bake them directly, though they may not be as crispy as the recipe intended.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
One pound of pasta cooked al dente is used, and angel hair pasta is specifically recommended.
How much marinara sauce do I need?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 cups of your favorite Italian tomato sauce or homemade marinara.
What is the proper way to layer the dish?
Layer 1/3 of the sauce, then the pasta, then another 1/3 of the sauce, followed by the shrimp, mozzarella, the remaining sauce, and finally Parmesan.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, chill it in the refrigerator, and then bake it when you are ready to serve.
What temperature should I bake the Shrimp Parmesan?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be assembled in advance and stores well, it is a great option for meal planning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour, breadcrumbs, and pasta with your preferred gluten-free alternatives.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green side salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
While it is best served fresh, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw it completely in the fridge before putting it in the oven.
How should I reheat the shrimp?
To maintain the crispiness, it is best to reheat portions in the oven or an air fryer rather than the microwave.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted very dry before you begin the breading process.
What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use extra regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers, though the texture will be slightly less crunchy.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Absolutely, you can use 3-4 cups of your favorite store-bought brand or use a homemade sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Can this be served as a sandwich?
Yes, the crispy shrimp and sauce make excellent filling for a unique Shrimp Parmesan sandwich twist.
Why butterfly the shrimp?
Butterflying creates more surface area for the breading to stick to and allows the shrimp to cook more evenly.
Is it necessary to remove the vein?
It is recommended for better presentation and a cleaner taste, though not strictly required for safety.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features succulent shrimp with a crunchy coating, soft pasta, and a gooey, bubbly cheese layer.