Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Juicy shrimp in a luscious garlic cream sauce served over rich, buttery mashed potatoes make for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count works best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russets work too, but Yukons are creamier)
• 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream if you prefer)
• Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
• 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (for the sauce)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Optional Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, pinch of red chili flakes, fresh parsley chopped, extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the cubed potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Step 2: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: With about 5 minutes left on the potatoes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add nutmeg and cracked black pepper, then adjust salt to taste.
6. Step 6: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot while still hot. Add butter and let melt for a minute. Add cream, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper if using. Avoid overworking.
7. Step 7: Return shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and coated with sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp spooned over the mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme, chili flakes, parsley, or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes, but Russets work well too.
• Patting shrimp dry before searing is essential to get a good golden crust.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a gentle heat kick.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
• Don’t over-mash potatoes to keep a fluffy, light texture instead of gluey.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture on shrimp and potatoes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to get a good sear and avoid excess moisture.

Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk while making the shrimp and sauce. Fresh is best for optimal texture and flavor.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring succulent seared shrimp tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce, served atop smooth and creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight meal, this recipe balances the buttery garlic sauce with tender potatoes for a satisfying experience.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
• Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Optional Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of red chili flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well when done.
2. Season the Shrimp: While the potatoes cook, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add a pinch of nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt if needed.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to hot pot. Add 4 tablespoons butter and let it melt, then pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Mash to a smooth and creamy consistency, avoiding overworking to prevent gluey texture. Season with salt and optional white pepper to taste.
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the seared shrimp to the garlic cream sauce in the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until shrimp are heated through and coated in sauce.
7. Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with creamy garlic shrimp, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, parsley, red chili flakes, and extra Parmesan as desired.

Notes

• Patting the shrimp dry before searing is essential to get a good golden crust.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes; Russets work but yield a different texture.
• Don’t burn the garlic during sautéing, as it becomes bitter and affects the sauce flavor.
• Gradually add Parmesan while the sauce simmers to avoid clumping and ensure smooth texture.
• Overworking mashed potatoes can make them gluey; mash just until creamy.
• For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Keywords: garlic shrimp recipe, creamy shrimp sauce, mashed potatoes recipe, easy shrimp dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food