Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce served atop buttery mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream if preferred)
- Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 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 garnishes: fresh thyme leaves, red chili flakes, chopped parsley, extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large pot with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the cubed potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce 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: When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer, searing 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Add nutmeg and black pepper, then taste and adjust salt.
- Step 6: Drain potatoes well and return to the hot pot. Add butter and allow it to melt. Pour in cream and mash until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overwork them. Season with salt and white pepper if using.
- Step 7: Return shrimp to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and coated in creamy garlic sauce.
- Step 8: Serve shrimp and sauce over mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, red chili flakes, or extra Parmesan as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- If you don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes, Russets work well but the mash will be less creamy.
- To add a touch of brightness, squeeze a little lemon juice into the garlic sauce before serving.
- Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a keto-friendly variation.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer or add more cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to achieve a good sear.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based butter and cream substitutes, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu for a seafood-free option.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Served over smooth, buttery Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, this meal combines savory, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors, promising a warm, indulgent dining experience ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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 if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
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
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Fill a large pot with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Season Shrimp: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add freshly minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisk to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with nutmeg and cracked black pepper; adjust salt if needed.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the hot pot. Add butter and let it melt, then add heavy cream. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, avoiding overworking to prevent glueiness. Season with salt and optional white pepper to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return shrimp to the garlic cream sauce in the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to finish cooking and allow shrimp to soak up the sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with creamy garlic shrimp, and garnish with fresh thyme, red chili flakes, parsley, or extra Parmesan as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pat shrimp dry to ensure a proper sear and avoid steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing shrimp; cook in batches if necessary.
- Be careful not to burn garlic when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Drain potatoes well before mashing to achieve fluffy texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth to thin or simmering longer to thicken.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute plant-based butter, cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- For shellfish allergies, replace shrimp with firm white fish or chicken breast, though flavor will differ.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes; russets can be used but are less creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic shrimp, creamy sauce, mashed potatoes, seared shrimp, comfort food, easy dinner, garlic cream sauce, Parmesan shrimp
