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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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