Crispy Shrimp & Little Potatoes - Easy One-Pan Dinner

Ready for a dinner that brings big flavor with minimal fuss? This Crispy Shrimp and Little Potatoes recipe is about to become your new favorite oven baked meal. Imagine perfectly crispy potatoes alongside tender, juicy shrimp, all cooked together on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. It’s one of those easy to make nutritious meals that feels special but comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option for any night of the week. Whether you're a seasoned chef or looking for cooking for beginners recipes, this dish delivers irresistible textures and flavors without the stress. Dive into one of the best recipes using little potatoes you'll ever try!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (like Yukon Gold or red baby potatoes), scrubbed clean
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided (2 tbsp for potatoes, 1 tbsp for shrimp)
• 1 tsp salt, divided (1/2 tsp for potatoes, 1/2 tsp for shrimp, plus more for parboiling water)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided (1/4 tsp for potatoes, 1/4 tsp for shrimp)
• 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large lemon, zest and juice divided
• 1 tsp paprika (or a Cajun-style spice blend for a kick!)
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (optional green veggie add-in)
• Pre-Minced Garlic or Garlic Paste:
• Frozen, Peeled, and Deveined Shrimp:
• Pre-Washed Baby Potatoes:

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large sheet pan in the oven while it preheats. This jump-starts the browning process for the potatoes!
2. Prep Your Little Potatoes: Wash your baby potatoes thoroughly. Depending on their size, halve or quarter them so they are roughly even in size (about 1-inch pieces). This ensures they cook uniformly and maximize surface area for crisping.
3. Quick Parboil for Crispiness: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the prepped potatoes and parboil for 5-7 minutes, just until they're slightly tender but still firm. This quick parboil is a common chef's trick to speed up cooking and ensure a creamy interior while the outside gets crisp. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the empty pot and let them steam-dry for a few minutes. This step is crucial for getting those super crispy edges.
4. Rough Them Up & Season: Once steam-dried, gently shake the pot or toss the potatoes to rough up their edges. These "craggy" edges are what will get wonderfully crispy in the oven. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to coat.
5. Roast Potatoes First: Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the hot pan, ensuring they have plenty of space. Don't overcrowd the pan! Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are browned and crispy on the edges, and knife-tender in the centers.
6. Season the Shrimp: While the potatoes are roasting, prepare your shrimp. In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash!), combine the peeled shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the minced garlic, the zest of half the lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the paprika (and red pepper flakes, if using). Toss until the shrimp is evenly coated.
7. Add Shrimp (and Optional Veg) to the Pan Late: Once the potatoes are crispy and browned, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side of the pan. Add the seasoned shrimp (and optional asparagus, if using) to the empty side of the pan, spreading them in a single layer. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for another 5-8 minutes, or just until the shrimp are opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery quickly!
8. Finish & Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze the juice from the remaining half lemon over the entire dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately!