Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the tender, flavorful shrimp pairs perfectly with velvety mashed potatoes, all smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s one of those meals that works beautifully for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive last-minute dinner party dish.

When I first tried making this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create such a luxurious flavor. You’ll find that the creamy sauce ties everything together in a way that’s hard to beat. Plus, the ease of preparing the shrimp and potatoes simultaneously means you can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Make sure to choose fresh shrimp if you can—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

• Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick, even cooking—fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great.
• Olive Oil: Helps the shrimp get a nice sear without sticking.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the shrimp’s seasoning with mild garlic notes.
• Butter: Essential for richness—in both the sauce and mashed potatoes.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that punch of garlicky aroma and taste.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a savory depth to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard (optional): Gives a subtle tang and complexity.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Warm Milk: Keeps the mashed potatoes creamy without cooling them down.
• Salt and Pepper: Key to seasoning everything perfectly.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a fresh herbal note as garnish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Sometimes I swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s craving that day.

• Add Heat: I like to sprinkle in red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you want a spicy kick—my husband loves this twist!
• Swap the Potatoes: Try creamy cauliflower mash for a low-carb option; it pairs surprisingly well with the garlic shrimp.
• Herb Variations: Fresh parsley, rosemary, or tarragon can replace thyme to give the dish a new aroma and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist that still feels rich.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. Drain them well, then return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter and warm milk (warming the milk is key—I learned this trick from my grandma to keep the mash silky). Mash everything until smooth and creamy, then season with salt to taste. Keep them covered so they stay warm and fluffy while you move on to the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Next, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink and are just cooked through—be careful not to overcook or they get rubbery. I always cook shrimp in batches if my pan is crowded; it really helps them sear properly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—those shrimp bits add flavor!), melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if you’re using it—both add such a lovely depth. Season with salt and pepper, letting the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want to fancy it up, a splash of white wine or a pinch of red chili flakes transforms the sauce into something extra special.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Finally, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a generous helping of the perfectly cooked shrimp. Pour that incredible garlic cream sauce all over and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves to brighten up the flavors. Serve immediately for the best experience—warm, creamy, and downright comforting.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves are my go-to garnish—they add a lovely herbal brightness and make the dish look picture-perfect. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, green pop or even a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and a hint of earthiness. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zing if you like a bit of citrus contrast.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a simple green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus also pair beautifully, offering a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the creamy shrimp and potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the mashed potatoes in a neat circle using a ring mold, then pile the shrimp and drizzle the sauce artistically on top. Adding microgreens or edible flowers makes it feel gourmet without much effort. A rustic wooden board presentation works wonderfully for casual get-togethers, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep mashed potatoes in a separate container. This helps maintain the texture and freshness of each component. Ideally, eat leftovers within 2 days for best taste.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen the whole assembled dish, freezing just the mashed potatoes works well. I recommend freezing the shrimp and sauce separately in a sturdy container to preserve texture and flavor better. Thaw them gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Microwave the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk, stirring occasionally, to keep them creamy. Combining warmed components right before serving keeps the dish tasting fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe really hits the spot whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t require tons of time or complicated ingredients. It’s the kind of meal I love sharing with friends and family because it brings everyone together around the table, enjoying simple luxury in every bite. I hope you try it soon—you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make and how deeply satisfying every creamy, garlicky bite tastes!

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