If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your next kitchen triumph. Picture perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, all served atop a cloud of buttery, silky mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of dinner that not only satisfies your taste buds but also feels impressively elegant without any complicated fuss. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe has that magical balance of rich, creamy flavors and fresh, garlicky brightness that turns every bite into pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, approachable ingredients that come together beautifully to create complex layers of flavor and comforting textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role—shrimp for protein and bite, potatoes for that fluffy base, and garlic with Parmesan for that irresistible creamy sauce and aroma.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined: The star protein, tender and juicy, cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy garlic sauce perfectly.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled & chunked: The foundation of this dish, boiled and mashed to buttery clouds for an ideal flavor contrast.
- 4 tbsp butter (divided): Adds richness to both the mashed potatoes and the creamy garlic sauce for a luscious texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream (for mashed potatoes): Boosts the creaminess of the potatoes, making every mouthful decadently smooth.
- ¼ cup milk (for mashed potatoes): Lightens the mashed potatoes so they’re fluffy without being too heavy.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps perfectly sear the shrimp while adding a fruity, fresh note.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The heart of garlic flavor that soaks into the sauce and shrimp for that unforgettable taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce): Provides the silky base of the garlic cream sauce that hugs every shrimp piece.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce that balances the creaminess.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce while lending an irresistible salty, nutty character.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors to perfection.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to this rich dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Prepare Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and chunked potatoes in salted water until they become fork-tender, about 15 minutes. This ensures they break down easily and mash into a perfect buttery base without any lumps.
Step 2: Mash Potatoes to Creamy Perfection
Drain the potatoes and mash them with 2 tablespoons of butter, half a cup of heavy cream, and a quarter cup of milk. The butter gives richness, while the cream and milk work together to create that dreamy, velvety texture. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to make every bite sing, then keep them warm as you move on to the shrimp.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn bright pink and opaque. This quick sear locks in their juicy texture. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet to prepare the sauce next.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and golden, releasing those wonderful garlic oils that will infuse the cream sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Let this mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop deeper flavors. This sauce is where the magic happens—the creamy texture and savory broth make the perfect base to coat the shrimp.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. The Parmesan adds a lovely salty, nutty dimension that enriches the garlic cream sauce and makes it irresistibly luscious.
Step 7: Return Shrimp to the Sauce
Slide the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently tossing them to coat evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Let everything meld together for a minute or two so the shrimp soak up those flavors beautifully.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Spoon a generous bed of the warm mashed potatoes onto each plate, then nestle the creamy garlic shrimp on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley brightens the dish and adds a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. A little lemon zest or a wedge of lemon on the side can also give a subtle zing to complement the garlic and Parmesan flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is quite hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Something fresh and crunchy provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy shrimp and mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy garlic shrimp over mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness. You can also try plating the shrimp alongside the mashed potatoes rather than on top for a more composed look. Either way, it’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and potatoes separate if possible to help maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, shrimp can become rubbery if frozen and reheated. If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the mashed potatoes alone and cook fresh shrimp and sauce when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the mashed potatoes gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp and sauce separately in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Then combine and enjoy the flavors fresh once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that can prevent a good sear.
What type of potatoes work best for mashing?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down easily and create a fluffy mash with a creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream, although the flavor will slightly differ from the original.
How spicy is the dish?
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is mild and creamy; if you love a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauce step is a great option.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can boil and mash the potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just warm them gently when ready to serve and prepare shrimp fresh for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way shrimp and creamy garlic sauce mingle atop melting mashed potatoes, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. I hope this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe finds its way into your kitchen soon and brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a perfect recipe to share with loved ones, celebrate simple ingredients, and remind us all that comfort food can be elegant and effortless.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy garlic shrimp dish served over smooth mashed potatoes, perfect for a comforting dinner. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan, paired with buttery mashed potatoes for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (reserved from total 4 tbsp)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled & chunked
- 2 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for mashed potatoes)
- ¼ cup milk (for mashed potatoes)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and chunked potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup milk. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and blend the flavors.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a thick and creamy sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the cream sauce to coat evenly. Cook together for an additional minute until heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over the warm mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
Notes
- You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or vegetarian variation.
- For extra garlic flavor, add an extra clove or sprinkle garlic powder in the mashed potatoes.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture in mashed potatoes.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free.
- Adjust cream and butter quantities to reduce fat content if preferred, substituting milk or broth.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
