My hubby is a huge fan of shrimp and ever since I made this dish, he would keep requesting it!

Nestled deep in my recipe box, between the pages stained with butter smudges and scribbled notes, you'll find the tale of my Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp - a dish that's as timeless as it is mouthwatering. You see, shrimp wasn't always as common on our family table as it is today. Back then, it was a treat we saved for special gatherings, bringing a sense of the extraordinary to our humble Midwestern home. Inspired by Italian flavors that migrated their way into our kitchens, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and grace. One I learned from my mother, who in turn learned from hers, each bite is like stepping back to a time when food was the thread connecting us to our past. It's the kind of meal that calls for you to slow down, savor each morsel, and hold your family a little closer.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is divine when nestled atop a pilaf of wild rice or alongside a rustic crusty bread, perfect for sopping up that delectable garlicky oil. For something green, why not toss together a fresh garden salad with a bright vinaigrette or steam up some tender asparagus spears? These sides will surely round out the meal, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that sing of homemaking at its finest.

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish, setting the stage for our crustaceans' transformation.

2. Lay the shrimp out in the baking dish in a single, even layer, a quiet sea of possibility awaiting the magic to come.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This aromatic potion will cloak each shrimp in a cloak of bold flavor.

4. Drizzle your garlic butter mixture over the shrimp, taking care to coat each one generously.

5. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp, like the first snowfall blanketing a well-worn path.

6. Give a gentle seasoning of salt and pepper over the top, to the tune of your own culinary intuition.

7. Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through, a transformation as remarkable as day turning to dusk.

8. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, the zest playing off the richness like the sun peeking through a heavy cloud.

Variations & Tips:

- For the adventurous soul, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can invite a gentle warmth that dances on the palate.
- If you're fortunate enough to have the bounty of a summer's tomato harvest, toss in some halved cherry tomatoes before baking for a juicy burst of sweetness.
- Remember that Parmesan is the star of the show, so opt for a block you grate yourself; it truly makes all the difference.
- Lastly, for those on the clock, this dish can be prepared ahead of time up to the point of baking. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve—a reminder that even in the rush, there's always time for good food and memories.