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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-over-mashed-potatoes-recipe/