Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini Recipe: Savory, Cheesy & Flavorful Dish
I just pulled this incredible sheet pan dinner from my oven, and I can’t wait to share it with you! After countless trials in my kitchen, I’ve perfected this garlic parmesan shrimp recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup.
The combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp, tender zucchini, and bursting cherry tomatoes creates a meal that’s both satisfying and light. I love how the parmesan creates this golden crust on the shrimp while the vegetables caramelize beautifully around them.
This has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
When I make this recipe, I always emphasize the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients for the best results.
- 2 pounds extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined – I prefer 16-20 count shrimp because they stay juicy and won’t overcook
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference compared to pre-minced versions
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – This helps create that beautiful golden coating on everything
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese – Never use the pre-grated stuff in a container; fresh is essential
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire dish
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Fresh ground pepper has more punch than pre-ground
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1-inch coins – Choose firm zucchini without soft spots for best texture
- 1 small yellow squash, sliced into 1-inch coins – This adds color and sweetness to balance the savory flavors
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Cherry tomatoes hold their shape better than regular tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade cut – Fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its aromatic finish
- Salt to taste for seasoning vegetables
Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main course or 6-8 people as an appetizer.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, or simply omit it and add extra herbs like oregano and thyme.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture, or drizzle finished dish with hot honey for sweet heat.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli florets instead of squash. Mushrooms also work beautifully and absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Herb Alternatives: Substitute basil with fresh parsley, cilantro, or a mix of Italian herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Protein Additions: Include halved cherry tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese, or add crumbled feta cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Cooking Time
Here’s the timing breakdown for this efficient sheet pan meal:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to execute perfectly:
- Large rimmed baking sheet – Essential for proper heat distribution and preventing spillage
- Large mixing bowl – For tossing shrimp with the garlic parmesan mixture
- Small mixing bowl – For combining the seasoning mixture
- Sharp chef’s knife – For efficiently chopping vegetables and mincing garlic
- Cutting board – Preferably separate boards for vegetables and shrimp
- Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient portions
- Whisk or fork – To thoroughly combine the garlic parmesan mixture
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini
This straightforward recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. The key is organizing your ingredients before you start cooking, which makes the process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll be amazed at how restaurant-quality results come from such simple techniques.
Prepare Your Oven and Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready when you need it. Place the cleaned shrimp in a large mixing bowl and set aside while you prepare the seasoning mixture. This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp quickly without drying them out.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until you have a well-combined, fragrant mixture that will coat the shrimp beautifully. The olive oil should help bind all the dry ingredients together.
Season the Shrimp
Pour the garlic parmesan mixture over the shrimp in the large bowl. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the shrimp thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Make sure no shrimp are left uncoated for consistent flavor throughout.
Prepare the Vegetables
In another bowl, toss the zucchini coins, yellow squash, and halved cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. The vegetables need just enough oil to prevent sticking and help them caramelize. Don’t oversaturate them with oil, as this can make them soggy.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of roasting. If needed, use two baking sheets to maintain proper spacing for optimal results.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout. The vegetables should be tender and lightly caramelized around the edges. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking.
Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh basil over the hot dish. The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic oils. Serve immediately while everything is hot and at its peak flavor.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Through my experience making this dish countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that elevate the results.
- I always pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before seasoning – this helps the coating stick better and prevents excess moisture
- I’ve found that letting the seasoned shrimp sit for 5-10 minutes before baking allows the flavors to penetrate deeper
- I like to arrange the shrimp in a single layer first, then fill in gaps with vegetables for optimal heat distribution
- I always set a timer for 10 minutes and check progress – shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery quickly
- I keep extra fresh basil on hand because I always want to add more at the end
- I’ve learned to use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini
This versatile dish works beautifully in many serving scenarios and presentation styles.
- As a Main Course: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice, creamy risotto, or buttery pasta to make it more filling. The cooking juices create a wonderful sauce that soaks into grains and noodles perfectly.
- Family Style: Transfer everything to a large serving platter and let everyone help themselves. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parmesan cheese for guests to customize their portions.
- Elegant Presentation: Plate individually with shrimp arranged over vegetables, then drizzle any pan juices around the plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for restaurant-style presentation.
- Appetizer Style: Serve smaller portions in individual bowls with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful pan juices. This works wonderfully for dinner parties or casual entertaining.
Nutritional Information
This healthy, low-carb dinner provides excellent nutritional value without compromising on flavor.
- Calories: 285 per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Protein: 39 grams – Shrimp provides complete, high-quality protein
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams – Mostly from the vegetables, keeping it keto-friendly
- Fat: 10 grams – Healthy fats from olive oil support nutrient absorption
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead makes weeknight dinners even easier with this flexible recipe.
- Make Ahead: You can prep all ingredients up to 4 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the garlic parmesan mixture and keep it covered until ready to use.
- Storage: Leftover cooked shrimp and vegetables keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop more over time, making leftovers delicious.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the shrimp’s texture.
- Freezing: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing this dish as shrimp can become tough and watery when thawed. Fresh is always best for optimal texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sheet pan dinner checks all the boxes for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on flavor.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: With just 27 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into hectic weeknight schedules. The simple preparation means less stress and more time enjoying dinner with your family.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: Using just one baking sheet means fewer dishes to wash, which I absolutely love on busy evenings. Line the pan with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
- Naturally Healthy and Nutritious: This low-carb, high-protein meal supports healthy eating goals without feeling restrictive. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins while keeping calories reasonable.
- Impressive Enough for Guests: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes restaurant-quality, making it perfect for entertaining. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Completely Customizable: The basic technique works with countless ingredient variations, so you’ll never get bored. Adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever vegetables you have on hand.