Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Juicy shrimp are simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce and served over buttery, smooth mashed potatoes for the ultimate indulgence.

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
• 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)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
• 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (for 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, add a generous pinch of salt, and add the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce 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: When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove shrimp to a plate.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisk to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg and fresh cracked pepper. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
7. Step 7: Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add butter and let it melt, then add cream and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper if using.
8. Step 8: Return shrimp to the sauce and cook 2-3 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve shrimp and sauce over mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme, red chili flakes, parsley, or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes over russets.
• If you prefer a vegan version, substitute plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing shrimp; cook in batches for even browning.
• Freshly minced garlic is key—avoid pre-minced for best flavor.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat boost.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid toughening, and warm mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used but be sure to thaw and pat them very dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

How do I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold and avoid over-mashing. Mash just until smooth and creamy, and don’t overwork the potatoes to keep them light and fluffy.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 96 reviews

This creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes recipe combines succulent seared shrimp with a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce served atop buttery, smooth Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal, it balances bold flavors with creamy textures and takes just about 30-35 minutes from start to finish.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp:

• 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

Mashed Potatoes:

• 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)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 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 option)
• 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 Potatoes: Place cubed Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot of cold salted water, bringing it to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Season the Shrimp: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium; add butter and melt. Sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisk to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt if needed.
5. Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the hot pot. Add butter and let melt. Pour in heavy cream and mash until smooth and creamy, avoiding overworking to prevent gluey texture. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
6. Finish the Dish: Return shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce, allowing them to cook through and absorb the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Ensure shrimp are heated and coated well.
7. Serve: Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates, top with garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish optionally with fresh thyme, red chili flakes, parsley, and extra Parmesan.

Notes

• Patting shrimp dry is essential for a good sear and caramelization.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture; Russets work if preferred.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Don’t over-mash potatoes to keep them fluffy and avoid gluey texture.
• Nutmeg adds a subtle depth but is optional if unavailable.
• You can substitute nutritional yeast and plant-based cream for a vegan version.
• Shrimp can be swapped for scallops following the same cooking process.

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic cream sauce, seared shrimp, easy dinner, comfort food