There’s something incredibly satisfying about the first click of a spoon against the side of a warm bowl, especially when that bowl is filled with creamy mashed potatoes. Recently, I found myself in need of a comforting dish to elevate a regular weeknight dinner into something a bit more special. After a quick inventory of my fridge, I decided to whip up a dish that is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes.
Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly sautéed and drenched in a rich garlic cream sauce, served atop a bed of fluffy, buttery potatoes. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! This recipe marries the heartiness of mashed potatoes with the elegance of seafood, transforming an average dinner into an occasion. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a well-deserved meal, grab your apron and let’s dive into this culinary journey!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The rich and creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the fluffy mashed potatoes, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
- It’s versatile as you can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- The stunning presentation of the shrimp over the vibrant potatoes will make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this delightful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes.
For the Shrimp
• Large shrimp – peeled & deveined for the perfect tender bite.
• Olive oil – helps achieve a lovely golden color when sautéing.
For the Mashed Potatoes
• Potatoes – chunked for easy boiling and mashing.
• Butter – adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
• Heavy cream – ensures a luxuriously smooth texture.
• Milk – a touch to lighten and fluff the mash.
For the Sauce
• Garlic cloves – minced for a robust flavor profile.
• Heavy cream – creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
• Chicken broth – provides depth and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – adds a savory, nutty essence.
• Salt & pepper – essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
For Garnish
• Fresh parsley – adds a vibrant touch and fresh flavor to the dish.
Now, let’s get cooking and make some magic in the kitchen!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
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Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. This step ensures they’ll mash perfectly and be creamy!
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Mash the cooked potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside to keep warm.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet; sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. This will add incredible depth to your sauce!
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Combine the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet; let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce, giving it a velvety touch.
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Return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce until they’re well-coated and heated through.
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Serve the creamy shrimp over the fluffy mashed potatoes; garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil for a glossy finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Freezer: For best quality, freeze the shrimp and sauce (not the mashed potatoes) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Serve with fresh mashed potatoes made to order for optimal texture.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Variations
Get ready to personalize this delightful dish and take it to new heights of flavor and texture!
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a fiery kick that elevates the creamy sauce. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat!
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Herb-Infused: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil or dill as a garnish to introduce a different flavor profile, making each bite refreshing and aromatic.
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Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers into the shrimp sauté for added color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch.
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Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist that imparts a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, ideal for beachy vibes.
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Lemon Zest: Grate some fresh lemon zest into the sauce just before serving to achieve a bright zing that cuts through the richness.
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Cauliflower Mash: For a lower-carb option, replace mashed potatoes with creamy mashed cauliflower, ensuring a luscious base that still delivers on flavor.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a splash of smoked paprika into the sauce for a rich, smoky depth that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
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Cheesy Variations: Experiment by using Gruyère or feta cheese in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy nuance, making every spoonful delightfully unique.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy nights! You can prep the mashed potatoes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover them with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent browning. The garlic shrimp can be cooked and cooled before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mashed potatoes in a pot, adding a splash of milk if they seem dry, and sauté the shrimp in their sauce for a few minutes until heated through. You’ll enjoy the same creamy, comforting flavors with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the decadence of this creamy masterpiece.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted, buttery slices that soak up the wonderful sauce, adding a crunch to your meal.
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Steamed Asparagus: The fresh, slightly crunchy texture of asparagus balances the rich flavors of the shrimp and potatoes beautifully.
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Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness and a refreshing contrast to the dish’s creaminess. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for added color!
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Sautéed Spinach: Quick and easy, this garlicky spinach adds a nutritious green element and is a fantastic flavor pairing with seafood.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a sweet, caramelized touch that complements the shrimp’s savory sauce.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine enhances the meal’s richness while cutting through the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious sip.
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Lemon Sorbet: To cleanse the palate post-meal, this fruity dessert offers a light and refreshing finish, making every bite a lovely experience.
Pair any of these delicious options with your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, and watch as your dinner transforms into a memorable feast!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best creamy mashed potatoes, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets which will yield a light, fluffy texture.
- Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp as they can quickly become rubbery; 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect.
- When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, which can lead to a bitter taste in your sauce.
- Let the cream and broth mixture simmer gently, as boiling can cause the sauce to break or separate in your creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes dish.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this recipe, large shrimp work best as they provide a nice, meaty texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy odor.
How do I store leftovers of the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To restore the creaminess when reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk and warm it gently over medium heat. This will help maintain that lovely texture!
Can I freeze the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, but I recommend freezing the shrimp and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge the night before. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in a skillet until warmed through.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Very! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check the chicken broth for any hidden gluten, and you can swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. It’s wonderfully versatile, so feel free to customize it further!
What if my shrimp gets rubbery while cooking?
Don’t worry; this can happen to the best of us! The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is timing. Cook them for only 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. If they’re rubbery, it likely means they were cooked too long. Next time, keep a close eye on them!
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! The more the merrier. Consider adding some sautéed spinach, asparagus, or even diced bell peppers to the sauce. Just remember to cook them until tender before adding the shrimp back to the skillet. It’s a delicious way to incorporate more flavors and nutrients!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Mash the cooked potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet; sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet; let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce until they're well-coated and heated through.
- Serve the creamy shrimp over the fluffy mashed potatoes; garnish with fresh parsley.
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