Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe because it feels like a hug on a plate—comforting, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. Whenever I’m craving something that’s fancy enough to impress but easy enough for a weeknight, this dish is my go-to. The creamy garlic sauce is the star that brings the shrimp and potatoes together in a perfectly cozy way.

What makes this recipe really shine is how quickly it comes together without skimping on flavor. You’ll find that the combination of tender shrimp and buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes is just irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit special dinners, date nights, or just whenever you want to treat yourself and your family to something memorable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work seamlessly together to create that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly garlicky goodness. When shopping, look for fresh shrimp and good-quality Parmesan to get the best flavor.

• Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the shrimp perfectly.
• Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices give the shrimp a gentle smoky warmth and depth.
• Butter: Essential for both the sauce and mashed potatoes, it lends richness and creaminess.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that’s fragrant and irresistible.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce that makes it luxuriously thick and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity that ties everything together.
• Dijon Mustard: Optional, but I love how it adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
• Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets for creamy mashed potatoes.
• Warm Milk: Helps keep the mashed potatoes silky and smooth.
• Salt and Pepper: Season well to enhance all the flavors.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: For garnish, adding a lovely herbal note and a splash of color.

Variations

I like to keep the core of this recipe classic, but sometimes I mix things up depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. It’s easy to make it your own and still get that creamy garlic shrimp comfort food you love.

• Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce, and my family loved the subtle heat that balanced out the creaminess.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or basil instead of thyme for a different herbal aroma and freshness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan—still tasty, just a different vibe.
• Veggie Boost: Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the shrimp for extra texture and nutrients.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Make the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well, then return them to the pot so any leftover steam dries off the potatoes a bit—this helps them stay fluffy. Mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step; warming the milk helps the potatoes stay light and silky rather than gluey. Season with salt to your liking, then keep them covered to stay warm while you tackle the shrimp.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection

Get your shrimp ready by tossing them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—this simple mix really amps up their flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so each shrimp gets a nice sear. Overcrowding causes them to steam instead, which loses that lovely texture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

After removing the shrimp, melt butter in the same skillet and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—this only takes about a minute, so don’t let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Dijon mustard if you’re using it, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for around 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. If you want to get fancy, a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a fun twist here.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Plate a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with your juicy shrimp, then spoon over that luscious creamy garlic sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves right before serving for that fresh, herbal pop that brightens everything up. Make sure to serve it immediately so you can enjoy all the creaminess and warmth at its best.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh thyme leaves because they add a subtle, fragrant note and a beautiful splash of green that brightens the plate. Sometimes I also sneak in a little chopped parsley for extra color and freshness—these small touches make the dish feel thoughtful and special.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes with a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus. The crisp veggies provide a perfect contrast to the richness of the dish. Sometimes, I’ll add a crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce—that’s a must-do in my book!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual shallow bowls, layering the mashed potatoes first, then artfully arranging the shrimp and drizzling the sauce over with a sprig of fresh thyme on top. It turns a humble comfort meal into a restaurant-worthy presentation without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for up to 2 days. I’ve found it works best to keep the shrimp and mashed potatoes together, but the sauce sometimes thickens overnight, so a quick stir and a splash of milk when reheating helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t freeze this dish often because the texture of shrimp and mashed potatoes can change a bit after thawing. However, if you want to freeze the mashed potatoes separately, that works well. Just reheat gently and add extra butter or cream to revive the creaminess.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps keep the sauce smooth and the mashed potatoes fluffy without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s that perfect combo of easy, luxurious, and crowd-pleasing. I love recommending it to friends who want a no-fail dish that feels special without tons of fuss. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—just like me!

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