Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

There’s something inherently comforting about a plate of creamy mashed potatoes paired with succulent, garlicky shrimp. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender shrimp, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes into a meal that’s both elegant and approachable. It’s the kind of dish that works for a weeknight dinner when you want something special or a dinner party where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine biting into juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp, bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce, and pairing it with rich, fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of sauce. The flavors are luxurious yet comforting, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or special occasions, this recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can adjust the seasoning, swap out ingredients, or even turn it into a sheet-pan dinner for easy cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Elegant enough for company but simple enough for weeknights.
• Rich & Creamy: The garlic cream sauce pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in about 30–40 minutes.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, herbs, or spice to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chunked
• 4 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for potatoes
• Medium skillet for shrimp and sauce
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Place the peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm while preparing the shrimp.

2. Cook the Garlic Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine.
3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.

4. Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
2. Top with garlic cream shrimp and drizzle extra sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Extra Garlic Flavor: Roast garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor before adding to the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, asparagus, or peas can be stirred into the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or Gruyère for creaminess.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is creamy, garlicky, buttery, and rich, with tender shrimp and smooth mashed potatoes. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth, while parsley brings freshness.

Drink Pairings:

• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a light citrus soda.
• Alcoholic: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp Pinot Grigio.

Side Pairings:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g

Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Potatoes: Boil and mash in advance; reheat gently with extra cream.
• Shrimp: Cook shrimp ahead of time and reheat briefly in sauce.
• Sauce: Can be prepared up to 1 day in advance; reheat and stir in shrimp before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a dairy-free milk and vegan butter, and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.

Q4: How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until just pink; they cook in minutes.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Boil potatoes	15–20 min
2	Mash potatoes	5 min
3	Cook shrimp	4 min
4	Prepare sauce	4–5 min
5	Assemble & serve	2 min

Total: ~30–40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls with extra sauce for dipping.
• Plate with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnish with lemon wedges for added brightness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
2. Cheesy Mashed Potato Base: Stir in shredded cheddar or cream cheese to mashed potatoes.
3. Sheet-Pan Option: Roast shrimp and garlic together on a baking sheet; serve over pre-made mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Spotlight: Shrimp

Shrimp are the star here — tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up garlic cream sauce. Choose large, fresh, or wild-caught shrimp if possible.

Storage Tip: Keep raw shrimp cold until ready to cook, and consume within 1–2 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use medium-high heat for shrimp to sear quickly without overcooking.
• Finish the sauce over low heat to gently thicken without curdling the cream.
• Taste and adjust seasonings at the end; cream can mellow saltiness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing: Mashed potatoes freeze well, but shrimp is best cooked fresh. Consider freezing potatoes and making sauce/shrimp fresh when ready.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	28g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free; can be adapted for dairy-free or lighter versions.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort meal with a gourmet twist. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make. The creamy garlic sauce elevates tender shrimp, while buttery mashed potatoes provide the perfect base to soak up every delicious drop.

Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes creamy, garlicky, savory, and indulgent. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish at home in under 40 minutes.

From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser and is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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