Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) of shrimp: Peeled and deveined, medium to large shrimp work best for this dish.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: To lightly sauté the shrimp before baking.
- 4 cloves of garlic: Minced, for that irresistible garlic kick.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: The base for the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and depth.
- 1/4 cup of white wine: Optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme: Balances the creaminess with earthy notes.
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs: To create that crispy topping.
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter: Mixed with breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Chopped parsley: For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease the baking dish.
- In the skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil is one of my favorite moments in cooking.
- I add the shrimp and cook them just until they start turning pink, about 2-3 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they’ll finish in the oven.
- Removing the shrimp, I use the same skillet to combine the heavy cream, white wine, Parmesan cheese, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisking it together, I let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Arranging the shrimp in the baking dish, I pour the creamy sauce over them, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, I mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them generously over the dish. This step ensures that beautiful golden crust.
- Baking the gratin for about 12-15 minutes, I check for a bubbling, golden surface. Once it’s ready, I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley.
Notes
Every time I make this dish, I’ve learned small tricks that elevate it. First, using raw shrimp is crucial because pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when baked. Secondly, grating fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded adds a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Lastly, keeping an eye on the baking time ensures the shrimp stay tender, and the topping doesn’t burn.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course Method
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean or American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320-400 kcal
- Sugar: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 600-800 m
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15-20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5-7 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Cholesterol: 150-200 mg