Shrimp Parmigiana – This seafood Parmigiana dish brings the irresistible flavors of crispy, breaded shrimp topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect combination of succulent shrimp, tangy sauce, and cheesy goodness—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Parmigiana
Shrimp Parmigiana combines the best of Italian-American comfort food with the delicate taste of seafood. This dish offers:
- A unique twist on traditional Parmigiana that seafood lovers will adore.
- A quick and easy recipe perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
- Endless ways to customize, making it a versatile option for all tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Shrimp Parmigiana, gather the following ingredients:
Fresh basil: For garnish and added flavor.
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Look for fresh or frozen large shrimp for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: Used for the initial breading layer.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work, but panko offers a crispier texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
Mozzarella cheese: Sliced or shredded for melty, cheesy goodness on top.
Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference.
Olive oil: Used for pan-frying the shrimp.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Parmigiana
- Choose the right shrimp size: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for Shrimp Parmigiana, as they stay juicy and flavorful when baked.
- Get crispy with panko: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Avoid overcrowding: When frying the shrimp, cook in batches to ensure they become golden and crispy rather than soggy.
- Homemade vs. store-bought marinara: While store-bought marinara works well, using a homemade sauce with fresh garlic, basil, and tomatoes adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Broil for extra browning: If you love a bubbly, golden top, broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
Delicious Variations on Shrimp Parmigiana
Lightened-Up Version: Instead of frying, bake the breaded shrimp at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes, then top with marinara and cheese.
Spicy Parmigiana: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a hint of heat.
Keto Parmigiana: Use almond flour and grated Parmesan in place of traditional breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
Gluten-Free Parmigiana: Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the breading process.
How to Serve Shrimp Parmigiana
Shrimp Parmigiana is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas:
- Over pasta: Serve with spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in olive oil and garlic for a classic pairing.
- With vegetables: For a low-carb option, serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or alongside roasted vegetables.
- On a sub roll: Turn it into a Shrimp Parmigiana sandwich by layering the shrimp on a toasted roll with extra marinara and mozzarella.
- With a side salad: A fresh Caesar salad or Italian greens make a refreshing, light side.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Parmigiana
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep your Shrimp Parmigiana fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freezing: Although possible, freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can lose its texture. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil and store for up to one month.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Shrimp Parmigiana?
A: Fresh, raw shrimp is best for this recipe because pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when fried and baked again. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, skip the frying step and bake directly with marinara and cheese.
Q: What’s the best cheese for Shrimp Parmigiana?
A: Mozzarella is traditional for a creamy melt, but you can mix in some provolone or even Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bread and fry the shrimp ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Just store the fried shrimp in the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: Is Shrimp Parmigiana healthy?
A: This dish is indulgent with breading and cheese, but you can make it healthier by opting for baked shrimp or using almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Q: Can I use other seafood?
A: Absolutely! Scallops or even lobster tails can be delicious substitutions, though cooking times may vary.
Shrimp Parmigiana
Shrimp Parmigiana - This seafood Parmigiana dish brings the irresistible flavors of crispy, breaded shrimp topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 lbs extra large shrimp, peeled and butterflied
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, well seasoned (Italian spices)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1⁄2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
- olive oil, for frying to cover bottom of pan
- 3 -4 cups of you favorite italian tomato sauce
- 16 ounces of grated mozzarella cheese
- olive oil, drizzled throughout the pasta
- 1lb pasta, COOKED aldente (I use angel hair my favorite)
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Open each shrimp like a book and remove the dark vein for a clean presentation.
- Seasoned Flour: In a zip-lock bag, combine the flour with a sprinkle of salt and the Old Bay seasoning. Add the shrimp, seal, and shake until each piece is lightly coated.
- Breading Mix: In the same bag, add the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese to the remaining seasoned flour and shake to combine.
Egg Wash: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise for a rich, creamy coating. - Breading the Shrimp: Dip each floured shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good crust.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat a layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Layer It Up: In a baking dish, spread a third of your tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cooked pasta over the sauce and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add another third of the sauce over the pasta.
- Add the Shrimp: Place the fried shrimp in a single layer on top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the shrimp, then add the remaining sauce and finish with a final layer of Parmesan.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 941Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 374mgSodium 2328mgCarbohydrates 87gFiber 9gSugar 17gProtein 66g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Parmigiana is a standout recipe that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to be a hit. With tips, tricks, and variations to customize the recipe to your liking, Shrimp Parmigiana is a dish worth adding to your rotation.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
