If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce served atop luxuriously smooth mashed potatoes creates a bowl full of comfort and flavor that’s sure to impress both family and friends. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of savory garlic, tangy lemon, and silky Parmesan, making it a beloved recipe to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation or impress on special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality of ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building those creamy, garlicky, and buttery flavors while adding texture and a pop of fresh color to the dish.
- Russet potatoes: The best choice for fluffy mashed potatoes with a creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness to both mashed potatoes and the garlic sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances flavor without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these form the star protein of the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the shrimp while contributing subtle fruity notes.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that irresistible aroma and pungent depth.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to provide a nutty and salty undertone.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh, zesty lift.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds color and herbaceous freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out every ingredient’s best.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your russet potatoes, which are perfect for getting that fluffy, smooth texture. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork—about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your mashed potatoes don’t turn out lumpy or undercooked.
Step 2: Mash with Cream and Butter
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot while still hot. Add the heavy cream and unsalted butter, then mash until the mixture is irresistibly creamy and smooth. Don’t rush this part; the warmth will help melt the butter and blend everything beautifully. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking, then keep warm as you prepare the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp, seasoning them simply with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so keep a close eye. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to keep all those flavorful juices locked in.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about one minute until it’s fragrant but not browned, which ensures a mellow garlic flavor that practically melts into the sauce. Next, pour in the chicken broth, simmering to deglaze the pan and capture every last bit of flavor. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to fully melt into a silky, rich sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Add fresh lemon juice for brightness and extra seasoning of salt and pepper to taste. Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor, making the dish as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 6: Serve Over the Mashed Potatoes
The moment you’ve been waiting for: ladle the shrimp and sauce over the warm, silky mashed potatoes. The contrast between the creamy potatoes and the garlicky, tangy shrimp sauce is pure magic on the palate.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a vibrant and flavorful finish. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and add a touch of fresh herbiness with every bite.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables pairs wonderfully. The freshness of greens balances the rich, creamy shrimp and potatoes perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy dinner, serve this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe in individual shallow bowls or wooden serving platters with lemon wedges on the side. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers can make it even more special if you’re entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and mashed potatoes separate if possible to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, the creamy shrimp sauce may separate upon thawing, so freezing is not recommended for this dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive their creaminess. Warm the shrimp and sauce separately in a skillet over low heat until just heated through to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but heavy cream provides the richest texture and smoothest sauce.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, which they typically are.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for just a few minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main cause of rubbery shrimp.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can boil and mash the potatoes ahead of time, and reheat them gently before serving. Cooked shrimp is best prepared fresh for this recipe to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a true delight—both satisfying and elegant but surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious without fuss, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing loved ones without stress. I encourage you to try it soon and experience the harmonious blend of buttery mashed potatoes with garlicky, creamy shrimp that will surely become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes recipe is a delightful comfort meal combining tender shrimp sautéed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce served atop smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes for an impressive yet easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add heavy cream and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add lemon juice and mix well. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the warm mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
