Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender shrimp in a rich garlic sauce with buttery mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering both simplicity and indulgence in every bite.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russets work too, but Yukons are creamier)
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream if you prefer)
- Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional, but adds a nice touch)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of red chili flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes by placing cubed potatoes in a large pot with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
Step 2: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: With about 5 minutes left on the potatoes, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
Step 6: Drain potatoes thoroughly, then return to the pot. Add butter and let melt, then stir in cream. Mash until smooth and creamy without overworking. Season with salt and white pepper if using.
Step 7: Return shrimp to the garlic cream sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until shrimp are heated through and coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, red chili flakes, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes, but Russets work well too if that’s what you have.
Patting shrimp dry before searing is key to getting a nice golden crust.
For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat boost.
If you like, swap shrimp for scallops for a different seafood twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and to preserve the creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes can thicken when cold; stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a bit of butter for richness, or use plant-based creams for a dairy-free version. The sauce may be slightly less thick but will still be delicious.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 347 reviews

A decadent and comforting dish featuring juicy seared shrimp simmered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, served over silky smooth Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. This meal balances bold flavors of garlic, nutmeg, and fresh herbs with the creamy texture of potatoes and sauce, perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count works best)
1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg

Optional Garnish:

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of red chili flakes for heat
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Season the Shrimp: While the potatoes cook, pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season them evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Sear the Shrimp: When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well. Return them to the hot pot, add 4 tablespoons butter and let melt. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and mash until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overwork to avoid gluey texture. Season with salt and white pepper if using.
Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and coated beautifully in the sauce.
Serve: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and top with the garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, red chili flakes, and extra Parmesan as desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Patting the shrimp dry before searing is crucial to get a good golden crust.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes; Russets can be used but will be less creamy.
Mincing fresh garlic adds the best flavor; avoid letting garlic burn to prevent bitterness.
Don’t overwork mashed potatoes to avoid gummy texture.
Nutmeg in the sauce adds a subtle warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
You can substitute plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Extra garnishes like fresh herbs and chili flakes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Keywords: Creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic cream sauce, seared shrimp, easy dinner, comfort food, seafood dinner