Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week. Succulent shrimp swim in a rich garlic cream sauce, served atop smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s simple to make but feels indulgent and special.

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

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot filled with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Step 2: While the potatoes cook, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear. Season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg and fresh cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
6. Step 6: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the hot pot. Add 4 tablespoons butter and allow to melt, then add the cream. Mash gently until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overwork the potatoes. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Return the shrimp to the garlic cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are heated through and coated in the sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over a bed of mashed potatoes. Garnish with thyme, red chili flakes, parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use Russet potatoes if you prefer fluffier mashed potatoes, but Yukon Golds create a creamier texture.
• For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
• Work in batches when searing shrimp to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking, stirring frequently until warmed through. Mashed potatoes can be refreshed by stirring in a splash of cream or butter as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Frozen shrimp can release extra moisture which might prevent browning.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well to add cheesy flavor. For a different taste, aged Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheeses can be used instead.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

This creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes recipe combines tender, seared shrimp in a luscious garlic cream sauce paired with smooth, buttery Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any night of the week, combining rich flavors and simple techniques for a delicious, satisfying dish.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

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

1. 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 to medium and let simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Season the Shrimp: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels for a good sear. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Sear the Shrimp: Once potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp to a plate, set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In 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, careful not to burn. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisk to combine, and bring to gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Finish the Mashed Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot. Add 4 tablespoons butter, let melt, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream. Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy, avoid overworking to prevent gluey texture. Season with salt and optional white pepper.
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return seared shrimp to the garlic cream sauce in the skillet. Let them cook together for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
7. Serve: Plate a generous portion of mashed potatoes, spoon creamy garlic shrimp over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, red chili flakes, and extra Parmesan as desired.

Notes

• Patting shrimp dry is essential for a good sear and caramelization.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes; Russets can be used but yield a different texture.
• Don’t burn the garlic when making the sauce to avoid bitterness.
• Gradually adding Parmesan helps the sauce thicken and prevents curdling.
• Don’t overwork mashed potatoes to avoid a gluey finish.
• You can substitute plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan version, using vegetable broth.
• Optional garnishes like fresh thyme and red chili flakes add extra flavor depth.

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic cream sauce, seared shrimp, easy dinner, comfort food, stovetop shrimp recipe