If you are looking for a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This delightful dinner blends tender, garlicky shrimp swimming in a luscious, velvety cream sauce perched atop buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. Every bite is like a warm hug that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without any fuss. It’s a perfect quick yet impressive meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the succulent shrimp that deliver a perfect bite, to the creamy potatoes which provide a smooth, comforting base. The garlic and Parmesan add depth and richness that elevate the whole plate.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined: Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled & chunked: Starchy potatoes like russets work best for fluffy mashed potatoes.
- 4 tbsp butter (divided): Butter adds richness both to the potatoes and the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream (for mashed potatoes): Makes the potatoes silky and luscious.
- ¼ cup milk (for mashed potatoes): Balances the heaviness of cream for a lighter texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a flavorful, healthy base to cook the shrimp.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the star flavor that infuses the shrimp and sauce with irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce): Creates the indulgent, creamy sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory notes that melt into the sauce.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and chunked potatoes in salted water. Salt seasons the potatoes as they cook, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Boil until they are fork-tender, which takes about 15 minutes. This softness is key for smooth mashed potatoes that aren’t grainy or lumpy.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, the ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup milk. Mash everything together until the mixture is luxuriously creamy and smooth, making sure to season with salt and pepper to balance the richness. Keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside so they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. This quick sauté releases those wonderful garlicky aromas that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with garlic. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. This step turns basic ingredients into a rich sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp and potatoes.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese slowly until it melts completely into the sauce. The cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds its deliciously sharp and salty character, bumping the flavor up a notch.
Step 7: Coat the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the creamy sauce until fully coated. This ensures that every piece of shrimp is infused with that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Serve a generous scoop of the mashed potatoes on each plate. Spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This bright green garnish not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh finish that balances the richness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of this dish. A light lemon zest or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors wonderfully. Even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a surprising kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Since the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is already rich and hearty, pair it with simple, crisp sides such as steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a light garden salad. These fresh vegetables offer contrast in texture and flavor, keeping the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving everything in individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a rustic, cozy vibe. Alternatively, stack the shrimp carefully over a smooth mound of potatoes for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation. Drizzle any extra sauce artistically around the plate to up your plating game.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce and shrimp separate from the potatoes helps maintain the best texture when reheated.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftover mashed potatoes on their own for up to 3 months. Freeze shrimp and sauce separately if you plan to freeze them, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen them up. Warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they brown nicely and don’t steam in the pan.
What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because of their higher starch content, which results in fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich and thick. For creaminess, heavy cream is preferable.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually 2–3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn opaque and pink to avoid rubbery texture.
Is this recipe dairy-free or paleo-friendly?
This recipe includes butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, so it is not dairy-free or paleo. However, you could experiment with dairy-free substitutes like coconut cream and vegan cheese for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and impressive about the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe, and it truly shines as a go-to dish for a cozy dinner that feels special without the hassle. The balance of creamy, garlicky sauce and fluffy potatoes with perfectly cooked shrimp is a delicious harmony you’ll be thrilled to share with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight indulgences!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender, succulent shrimp in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served atop smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this dish blends rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled & chunked
- 2 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for mashed potatoes)
- ¼ cup milk (for mashed potatoes)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Boil them for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender, indicating they are fully cooked and ready to be mashed.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the boiled potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup milk. Mash everything together until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, then cover and keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, which will enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream sauce until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy garlic sauce to ensure they are well coated and heated through for an additional minute.
- Serve: Plate a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes and top them with the garlic shrimp coated in sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- For a lighter version, consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
