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