Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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