Oh, do I have a treat for you! This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is my go-to when I want something fancy but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it, my husband thought I’d ordered takeout from some fancy seafood place—it’s that good. The secret? A luscious garlic cream sauce that clings to plump shrimp, all piled on top of the creamiest mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, and the best part? You can whip it up in about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart (and your appetite)!
- Restaurant-worthy in minutes – Looks fancy, comes together faster than takeout
- Creamy dreamy sauce – That garlicky cream clinging to every shrimp? Pure magic
- Comfort food upgrade – Mashed potatoes meet indulgent seafood in the best way
- Weeknight lifesaver – Uses simple ingredients you probably have right now
- Endlessly adaptable – Swap in veggies, change up the starch, make it your own!
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s the dish I make when I want to impress without stress. Trust me, this is one of the best dinner recipes!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this dreamy dish – I promise it’s all simple stuff! The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together.
- 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined (trust me, the fresh ones make all the difference)
- 4 cloves garlic – minced (don’t skimp – this is the flavor powerhouse!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – the richer the better for that luscious sauce
- 2 tbsp butter – divided (1 tbsp for shrimp, 1 tbsp for potatoes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect shrimp sear
- 4 medium potatoes – Yukon Gold are my favorite for creamy mash
- 1/4 cup milk – warmed makes for fluffier potatoes
- Salt & pepper – to taste (I’m generous with both)
- 1/4 tsp paprika – adds just a hint of warmth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped, for that gorgeous green finish
See? Nothing crazy – just good, honest ingredients ready to become something spectacular!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab these kitchen basics:
- Large skillet – For cooking those gorgeous shrimp to perfection
- Medium saucepan – Your potatoes’ cozy boiling spot
- Potato masher – The secret to creamy, lump-free mash
- Measuring spoons – For getting those seasonings just right
- Wooden spoon – Your trusty sauce-stirring sidekick
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking – your taste buds are in for a treat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff – transforming these simple ingredients into a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Follow these steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality creamy garlic shrimp over dreamy mashed potatoes in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
First things first – let’s get those potatoes going! I start by peeling and cubing them (about 1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly. Drop them into a pot of cold, salted water – this helps them cook through without getting waterlogged. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Don’t walk away during this part – overcooked potatoes become gummy!
Drain them well (really shake that colander!), then return to the warm pot. Mash with warmed milk and butter – I like mine on the creamy side, so I go to town with the masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover to keep warm. Pro tip: If your mash seems dry, add a splash more warm milk until it’s just right.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Now for the star of the show! Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Pat those shrimp dry (super important for a nice sear!) and season lightly with salt and pepper. When the oil shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer – don’t crowd them! Cook about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They’ll cook more in the sauce later, so undercook slightly now. Remove shrimp to a plate and breathe in that amazing aroma!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Same skillet (all those delicious bits stay in!), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds – don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter! Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly as it bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes. This is when the magic happens! Add paprika and adjust seasoning. Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Let it simmer another minute.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in that luscious sauce. Just 1 minute to warm through – any longer and shrimp get rubbery. Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates, top with saucy shrimp, and shower with chopped parsley. The contrast of the bright green against the creamy sauce? Chef’s kiss! Serve immediately while everything’s piping hot. Warning: You might need to guard your plate – this dish disappears fast!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee restaurant-quality results every single time!
- Fresh is best – Splurge on fresh shrimp if you can. That sweet, briny flavor makes all the difference compared to frozen.
- Sauce too thin? Let it simmer another minute or two. Too thick? A splash of pasta water or milk saves the day.
- Garlic timing – That 30-second sauté is sacred! Burnt garlic turns bitter, but perfectly cooked gives amazing depth.
- Parmesan power – Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan at the end for next-level richness (my secret weapon!).
- Don’t over-mash – Stop mashing potatoes when smooth. Overworking makes them gluey – learned that the hard way!
Follow these simple tips, and I promise your creamy garlic shrimp will be absolute perfection! If you love shrimp, you might also enjoy my recipe for creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Variations for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
The beauty of this dish? You can tweak it a million ways! Toss in a handful of baby spinach with the garlic for extra greens. Craving low-carb? Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash – shockingly delicious! Feeling fancy? Add a splash of white wine to the sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this creamy garlic shrimp! A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread? Absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce. For special occasions, I’ll add roasted asparagus – the crisp-tender texture plays so nicely with the creamy potatoes and shrimp. Honestly, it’s delicious enough to stand alone, but these little extras take it from “wow” to “WOW!”
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge – they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow! Gently warm the shrimp sauce in a skillet over medium-low, stirring often to prevent separation. For the potatoes, add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds – nobody wants rubbery shrimp or scorched sauce!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (based on my recipe as written, but remember – your exact numbers may vary depending on brands and tweaks):
- Calories: About 420 per generous serving
- Fat: 22g (12g saturated – hey, it’s comfort food!)
- Protein: 25g – those shrimp pack a protein punch
- Carbs: 35g (with 4g fiber from those potatoes)
Of course, these are estimates – using low-fat milk or less butter will change things up. But honestly? Some meals are worth every delicious calorie!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water first. Pat them extra dry – frozen shrimp release more moisture when cooking. And here’s my trick: add a pinch more garlic and paprika to compensate for frozen shrimp’s milder flavor.
Q2. How can I make this dairy-free?
Easy swaps! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream (it adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well). For the mashed potatoes, olive oil or dairy-free butter keeps them creamy. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch – just warm it first so it blends smoothly.
Q3. Why did my sauce separate?
Oh no! Usually means the heat was too high. Next time, keep it at a gentle simmer when adding cream. If it happens, remove from heat and whisk in 1 tsp cold butter – works like magic to bring it back together!
Q4. Can I prep any parts ahead?
You bet! Peel and cube potatoes up to a day before (store in cold water). Make the mashed potatoes 2 hours ahead – just reheat with extra milk. But cook the shrimp fresh – they only take minutes anyway!
Share Your Thoughts
Did this creamy garlic shrimp recipe make your taste buds dance? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me in your food pics – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations! You can also find more inspiration on Pinterest.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and creamy garlic shrimp dish served over smooth mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Serve shrimp over mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust cream thickness by simmering longer.
- For extra richness, add grated Parmesan to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, easy dinner recipe
