Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish); 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed; ½ cup warm milk; ¼ cup butter; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is pure luxury in a bowl, and honestly, it’s the sort of dish that instantly makes you feel like you’re at your favorite upscale bistro—all from the comfort of home. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, everything comes together in a silky, garlic-infused sauce that drapes over pillowy mashed potatoes, and the result is both cozy and sophisticated. At the heart of it, you’ll find plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp and that irresistibly creamy sauce, making each bite a little celebration. This is a combination you’ll want to invite people over for—or savor all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is just how effortless it is to pull off, using everyday ingredients that each play an important part in the final dish. You’ll notice how every element, from the potatoes to the spices for the shrimp, brings its unique flavor or texture—no ingredient is wasted here!

For the Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Opt for large shrimp for juiciness and a satisfying bite.

For the Shrimp: 2 tablespoons olive oil – This coats the shrimp, helping the spices stick and promoting a gorgeous, golden sear.
For the Shrimp: 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color to the shrimp.

For the Shrimp: 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Drives home the irresistible savoriness we all love with seafood.
For the Shrimp: Salt and pepper, to taste – Simple, classic seasonings that make every flavor sing.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter – The base of delicious richness for your sauce.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic turns the sauce into pure aromatic magic.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives you that signature velvety texture.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, making it savory and nutty.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) – Adds a pop of tang and complexity.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Salt and pepper, to taste – Finishes off your sauce, balancing all the flavors.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish) – Their subtle herbal note adds freshness and visual flair.
For the Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed – The ultimate creamy, starchy canvas for all the goodness.
For the Mashed Potatoes: ½ cup warm milk – Keeps the potatoes light, creamy, and never stiff.

For the Mashed Potatoes: ¼ cup butter – Extra creaminess and flavor in every forkful.
For the Mashed Potatoes: Salt, to taste – Brings out the delicate flavor of the potatoes.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your cubed potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. Once they’re soft enough to mash easily, drain the water and return them to their pot. Immediately add your butter and the warm milk, then grab a potato masher or a hand mixer and blend everything until the texture is ultra-smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, and be sure to cover the pot so your mashed potatoes stay perfectly warm and ready for that luscious topping.

Step 2: Cook Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly. Heat a large skillet over medium-high—once it’s nice and hot, add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes about 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they’re opaque and lightly golden. Don’t rush this part: overcrowding will steam them, so cook in batches if you need to. Once done, transfer For the Shrimp to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (you want those flavorful bits left behind!), add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—take care not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and whisk until smooth, then stir in the Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed, letting the sauce simmer for another 3–5 minutes until it lightly thickens into that dreamy finish.

Step 4: Assemble For the Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Arrange For the Shrimp across the top in a cozy, overlapping pattern, then bathe everything in the hot, creamy garlic sauce as generously as your heart desires. Don’t forget a final scatter of fresh thyme leaves for that burst of color and freshness. There you have it—a meal that looks and tastes spectacular!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh thyme leaves is classic, but you can get creative! Try minced chives, a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan, or even a dusting of smoked paprika to echo the notes in Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens everything up and makes the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

Keep it light and vibrant by serving this dish alongside a simple green salad or crispy roasted asparagus. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach also pair beautifully with the richness of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, offering color and freshness without overpowering those creamy, garlicky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, spoon mashed potatoes into shallow bowls and artfully arrange Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes on top before drizzling with sauce for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also assemble everything family-style on a large platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme and lemon wedges, so guests can help themselves. For a fun twist, serve For the Shrimp over mini potato cakes as a tasty small bite for gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool everything to room temperature first. Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, sauce, and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers to preserve their textures. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days—just make sure to enjoy them while everything is still at its best!

Freezing

While the mashed potatoes and creamy sauce don’t freeze beautifully because of texture changes, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes can be frozen on its own for up to a month. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes back to life, gently reheat the mashed potatoes and sauce separately over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of cream or milk. Warm Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes in a covered skillet or in the oven at a low temperature so they don’t get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Any excess moisture can make them steam instead of sear.

Is there a dairy-free way to make the creamy garlic sauce?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk or a rich nut-based cream alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute or just a little nutritional yeast for that savory note.

What potatoes are best for the mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for creamy mashed potatoes—they’re buttery and have just the right texture. However, russets work nicely if you prefer them super fluffy.

Can I prepare anything ahead of time?

You can absolutely make the mashed potatoes a day ahead (just reheat with a splash of milk and stir until fluffy). Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, it’s best cooked fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients and have everything ready to go for smooth, easy assembly.

How can I make this dish a bit lighter?

Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the butter a bit if you like. You can also increase the amount of fresh greens alongside Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes so your plate feels balanced without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or simply want a seriously satisfying comfort food upgrade, don’t hesitate to try your hand at Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. With its luscious sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and those dreamy mashed potatoes—it’s a dish that’ll quickly become a favorite for both special occasions and cozy weekends at home. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the luxurious comfort of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, a classic dish that combines tender shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce served atop creamy mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain them and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, then cover to keep warm.
Pro Tip: Warming the milk helps the mashed potatoes stay smooth and fluffy rather than gluey.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Note: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even searing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Optional Add-Ons: A splash of white wine or a pinch of red chili flakes will elevate the sauce even more.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a generous helping of shrimp. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while everything is warm and creamy for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes