Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Indulge in a truly luxurious meal with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, a dish that blends tender shrimp, rich garlic cream sauce, and velvety mashed potatoes. Every bite promises a balance of flavor, texture, and comfort that makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s a culinary experience that brings the warmth of home cooking with a restaurant-quality flair.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

  • Velvety Texture: The creamy garlic sauce coats each shrimp perfectly, complementing the smooth mashed potatoes.

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy nights.

  • Protein-Packed: Shrimp is a lean protein, paired with nutrient-rich potatoes for a balanced meal.

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant presentation and rich flavors impress family and guests.

  • Customizable Flavors: Add herbs, spices, or cheeses to suit your taste.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Naturally gluten-free when using high-quality ingredients.

  • Healthy Comfort Food: Combines indulgent taste with wholesome nutrition.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1/4 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creamy mashed potatoes.

  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

  • Fresh garlic enhances flavor over pre-minced garlic.

  • Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances richness.

  • For dairy-free options, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.

  2. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).

  4. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

  5. Add milk and butter; mash until smooth and creamy.

  6. Season with salt and black pepper. Keep warm.

Pro Tip: For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

  3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium; add butter to the same skillet.

  2. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.

  4. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

  6. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp & Sauce

  1. Return shrimp to skillet; coat with garlic cream sauce.

  2. Cook 2 additional minutes to warm shrimp thoroughly.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.

  2. Top with creamy garlic shrimp.

  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, a rich, buttery seafood dinner that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

How to Avoid Watery Mashed Potatoes?

Drain potatoes thoroughly and mash immediately while hot. Adding warm milk ensures smooth texture.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water.

How to Make Sauce Extra Rich?

Stir in an extra tablespoon of butter or cream for indulgent richness.

Best Ways to Serve

  • Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

  • Serve with garlic bread for extra comfort.

  • Perfect alongside Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for seafood-themed dinners.

  • Ideal for holiday gatherings or date-night dinners at home.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories420 kcal
Protein28g
Carbohydrates35g
Fat20g
Saturated Fat12g
Fiber4g
Sodium450mg
Cholesterol220mg

Tip: Reduce cream and butter to lower fat content.

Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Shrimp can be frozen separately; mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen mashed potatoes.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare mashed potatoes and garlic cream sauce separately. Reheat and combine with cooked shrimp before serving.

Q: Can I use other seafood?
Absolutely. Scallops, lobster, or firm fish chunks work well in garlic cream sauce.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt and reduce butter by half.

Q: Can I use different potatoes?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes give creamier texture; russets are perfect for fluffy mash.

Variations

  • Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: Swap cream for butter sauce with fresh herbs.

  • Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.

  • Cheesy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in extra Parmesan or Gruyère for cheesy indulgence.

  • Low-Carb Version: Serve garlic shrimp over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

Conclusion

Treat yourself and your loved ones to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes—a dish that combines creamy, garlicky indulgence with the comforting warmth of mashed potatoes. Every bite is an experience that satisfies both heart and palate. Share your creations, tag your friends, and let this recipe become a new favorite in your kitchen!