Few dinners feel as comforting and indulgent as a plate of creamy garlic shrimp nestled over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even close your eyes in happiness. The juicy shrimp, the velvety garlic sauce, and the fluffy potatoes all come together for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create in your own kitchen.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is sure to wow both family and guests alike.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner / Comfort Food |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | ~520 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Cook the potatoes. Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash until creamy. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and fluffy. Cover and keep warm.
- Cook the shrimp. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the garlic cream sauce. In the same skillet, melt a little more butter if needed. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Bring it together. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce to coat.
- Assemble the dish. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top generously with creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tip: Keep the sauce on a gentle simmer—don’t boil it or the cream may separate.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Shrimp size: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe, but any size will do. Just adjust cooking time so they don’t overcook.
- Make-ahead potatoes: Mashed potatoes can be made earlier in the day and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Spice level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces—cook until golden before making the sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap in Greek yogurt at the end for a tangy, light creaminess.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or green beans for a fresh contrast.
- Add a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up that irresistible garlic cream sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is pure comfort on a plate—elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknights. Every bite is warm, cozy, and soul-satisfying. So gather your loved ones, serve up generous portions, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes everyone feel right at home.