Introduction: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is pure comfort on a plate. It’s rich, warm, and feels a little fancy without needing hours in the kitchen. This meal brings together buttery mashed potatoes and tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce that instantly feels like a treat.
Try our 30-minute Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for another creamy shrimp favorite.
What makes it special is how easy it is to prepare. You get restaurant-level flavor using simple, everyday ingredients. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for guests, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
If you enjoy shrimp potato recipes or mashed potatoes dinner meals, this one deserves a place on your list. It’s indulgent, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
This recipe includes two main components: the mashed potato base and the creamy garlic shrimp topping. Here is everything you need.
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prefer chicken with your potatoes Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Place peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot. Cover with cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain well and return potatoes to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth.
- Slowly mix in warm milk or cream until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook two to three minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for three to five minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
- Return shrimp to the skillet and coat well in the sauce.
- Cook for one to two more minutes to warm through.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with creamy garlic shrimp and plenty of sauce. Finish with chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Creamy Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
Getting this dish just right comes down to texture and timing. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and elevate the flavor without adding extra work.
Keep the Potatoes Creamy and Smooth
- Start with cold salted water when boiling the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Mash the potatoes while they are still hot. Adding warm milk or cream keeps the texture silky.
- If you want a restaurant-smooth finish, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
- Shrimp cook quickly. Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the pan.
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on the clock.
- If using frozen shrimp, fully thaw them in cold water before cooking.
Maximize Flavor in the Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and taste.
- Let the sauce simmer gently. High heat can cause it to separate.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to lift the browned bits left from the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon the mashed potatoes into a shallow bowl and top with shrimp and sauce for a cozy presentation.
- Garnish with parsley or a light squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Variations and Substitutions for Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
This dish is flexible. You can adapt it to fit your diet, pantry, or simply to try something new.
Swap the Protein
- Replace shrimp with scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut
- For a meat-based option, use cooked chicken breast slices
- To make it vegetarian, sauté tofu or mushrooms and follow the same creamy sauce method
Try Different Potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes make a creamier mash with a slightly buttery flavor
- For a lower-carb version, use mashed cauliflower or a cauliflower and potato mix
- Sweet potatoes add a mild sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the garlic cream sauce
Adjust the Creaminess
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Coconut milk gives the dish a subtle sweetness and works for dairy-free versions
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for extra richness
Add Extra Vegetables
- Stir in sautéed spinach or baby kale near the end of cooking the shrimp
- Roasted asparagus or green beans on the side balance out the richness
- Cherry tomatoes can be tossed into the sauce for a pop of color and acidity
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water until they are soft and no longer icy.
What are the best potatoes for mashing?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content and create a fluffy mash. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good choice if you prefer a creamier texture with a buttery taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes if they seem dry.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a few hours in advance. Keep them warm in a covered dish or a warm oven. If they thicken too much, stir in a bit of warm milk before serving.
What else can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of steamed broccoli works well to balance the richness of the shrimp and mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fat. While exact values can vary depending on portion size and ingredients used, here is an estimate based on one serving out of four.
- Calories: Approximately 520
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fat: 32 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 215 milligrams
- Sodium: 620 milligrams
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes. Coconut milk is a good alternative for a dairy-free option, though it may slightly increase the fat content.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is more than just a dinner recipe. It is comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish feels warm and special without requiring complicated steps or expensive ingredients.
It delivers rich flavor, satisfying texture, and that feeling of something homemade but elevated. From the buttery potatoes to the garlic cream sauce that wraps around every bite of shrimp, it all just works together beautifully.
If you have been searching for a new go-to among shrimp and mashed potatoes recipes, this one is worth trying. Save it, share it, or make it tonight. You might find it becomes one of those meals you return to again and again.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Strainer
- Mixing spoon
- Masher or ricer
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, then drain and return to the pot.
- Add butter to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Slowly stir in warm milk until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook two to three minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and simmer briefly. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Let it cook until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss in the sauce and warm through. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with shrimp and sauce, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
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