Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers are the kind of quick seafood recipe that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. Juicy shrimp are coated in a buttery garlic parmesan mixture, threaded onto skewers, and cooked until lightly golden with crisp edges and plenty of savory flavor.
This dish is perfect when you want something fast, flavorful, and versatile. Serve these shrimp skewers as an appetizer, party snack, light dinner, or part of a grilled seafood spread. The combination of garlic, butter, parmesan, and fresh herbs gives every bite a rich and irresistible finish.
What Makes Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers So Good?
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers is how simple ingredients create bold flavor in very little time. Shrimp cook quickly, which makes this recipe ideal for last-minute dinners or easy entertaining, and the garlic butter parmesan coating helps keep every skewer juicy and delicious.
These skewers also work well year-round. You can grill them outside in warm weather, cook them in a grill pan indoors, or even roast them in the oven when you want a hands-off option. No matter how you make them, the result is tender shrimp with a savory, buttery finish.

Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers
These ingredients come together to create a shrimp recipe that is rich, savory, and full of fresh flavor.
Shrimp
Shrimp are the star of the recipe, bringing a naturally sweet seafood flavor and tender texture. Large shrimp work especially well because they stay juicy and hold up nicely on skewers.
Butter
Butter creates the rich base for the garlic parmesan coating. It helps the shrimp cook beautifully and gives the skewers that glossy, flavorful finish.
Garlic
Garlic adds bold savory depth and is essential for building the signature flavor of this dish. Fresh minced garlic gives the best aroma and taste.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings salty, nutty richness that pairs perfectly with shrimp and butter. It helps create a light crust and adds extra savory character.
Olive oil
A little olive oil helps balance the butter and keeps the shrimp from drying out during cooking. It also helps the seasoning coat evenly.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the entire recipe and cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. It gives the shrimp a fresh, lively finish.
Paprika
Paprika adds gentle warmth and a touch of color, helping the shrimp look as appetizing as they taste.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning rounds out the savory flavor with a blend of herbs that complements both the garlic and parmesan.
Salt
Salt sharpens all the other flavors and helps season the shrimp properly.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and balances the richness of the butter and parmesan.
Fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds color and a clean herbal finish that makes the skewers look bright and fresh.
Wooden or metal skewers
Skewers make the shrimp easy to cook, turn, and serve. If using wooden skewers, soaking them first helps prevent burning.
How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers
This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for an easy dinner, party appetizer, or summer cookout favorite.
Step 1: Prep the skewers and shrimp
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well and the shrimp sear instead of steam.
Step 2: Make the garlic parmesan butter mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Coat the shrimp
Place the shrimp in a large bowl and pour most of the garlic parmesan mixture over them, reserving a little for brushing after cooking. Toss until all the shrimp are evenly coated.
Step 4: Thread the skewers
Thread the shrimp onto skewers, piercing each shrimp through the thick and thin ends so they stay secure and cook evenly. Leave a little space between each shrimp for better heat circulation.
Step 5: Cook until lightly charred
Place the skewers on a preheated grill, grill pan, or baking sheet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Brush the hot shrimp skewers with the reserved garlic parmesan butter mixture and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve right away with lemon wedges.
Best Ways to Serve and Store Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers are delicious served hot straight from the grill or pan. They pair well with rice, buttered pasta, roasted vegetables, salad, corn on the cob, or crusty bread for soaking up any extra garlic butter.
For appetizers, serve them with lemon wedges and a simple dipping sauce. For dinner, add them to a grain bowl, tuck them into wraps, or serve them over creamy mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy them cold in a salad. Because shrimp cook quickly, avoid overheating them so they stay tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp are best because they stay juicy and are easier to thread onto skewers.
Can I make these shrimp skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake or broil them if you do not want to grill. Just watch them closely because shrimp cook very fast.
Do I have to use parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a lot of flavor, but you can reduce it slightly if you want a lighter coating. Freshly grated parmesan melts and coats the shrimp best.
How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them only until they turn pink and opaque. Once shrimp curl tightly and become rubbery, they have cooked too long.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can season and skewer the shrimp a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
Want More Shrimp Ideas?
If you love these Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers, you’ll probably enjoy these other seafood favorites:
- Creamy Shrimp Chowder for a cozy, comforting bowl packed with seafood flavor.
- Best Marinated Grilled Shrimp for another easy shrimp recipe that is perfect for cookouts.
- Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi if you love buttery garlic shrimp with restaurant-style appeal.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta when you want a bolder and creamier shrimp dinner.
- Easy Creamy Polenta Shrimp Recipe for a hearty seafood meal with a smooth and comforting base.
For even more recipe inspiration, check out Life with Nina on Pinterest where I share more easy and delicious recipes.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know how your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers turned out. Did you grill them outside, cook them in a skillet, or add a little extra lemon at the end?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, and your tips might help someone else make this recipe even better.

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Skewers are a quick dinner, easy appetizer, and crowd-pleasing seafood recipe packed with buttery garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and savory parmesan. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinner ideas, party food ideas, summer grilling, and simple seafood meals when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
8 skewers
Instructions
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes if using wooden skewers. Preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven broiler.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour most of the mixture over the shrimp and toss well to coat, reserving a small amount for brushing after cooking.
5. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through the thick and thin ends of each shrimp.
6. Cook the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden.
7. Brush with the reserved garlic parmesan mixture, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use large or extra-large shrimp so they stay juicy and are easier to skewer.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery very quickly.
Freshly grated parmesan melts and coats the shrimp better than pre-shredded cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan shrimp skewers, quick dinner, easy appetizer, seafood recipe, shrimp skewers, easy recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas, summer grilling



