Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add the smashed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated and fragrant.
Spread the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded for even roasting.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the shrimp turn slightly crispy and pink. The garlic will become fragrant and golden.
Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top while they’re still hot, allowing it to melt slightly.
Return the shrimp to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the Parmesan and meld the flavors together.
Take out the shrimp and let them rest for a minute. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or straight from the baking sheet as a flavorful appetizer.