Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes brings together juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and simmered in a rich cream sauce—served over a bed of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes.
It’s the perfect mix of elegance and coziness. Whether you’re planning a date night, holiday dinner, or simply want to impress with minimal effort, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk or cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
- Add butter, warm milk or cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and fluffy. Cover and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 5: Add Shrimp & Finish
- Return shrimp to the pan and coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Serve
- Spoon a generous helping of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Variation
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Lemon Garlic Twist: Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for brightness
- Cheesy Mash: Mix cheddar or cream cheese into mashed potatoes for extra richness
- Low Carb Option: Serve shrimp over mashed cauliflower or sautéed greens
Cooking Note
Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture. Keep mashed potatoes warm by covering with foil or placing over a double boiler until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Add roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans on the side
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
- Serve with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Top with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet finish
- Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for a salty crunch
Tips
- Use raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) for best flavor and texture
- Warm the cream before adding to prevent curdling
- For extra fluffy potatoes, use a ricer or food mill
- Make mashed potatoes ahead and reheat gently with added milk
- Double the sauce if serving a larger crowd—it’s always the first to go!
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: ~590
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~35g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~820mg
Nutrition will vary based on type of shrimp, potatoes, and cream used.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I make this with pre-cooked shrimp?
- You can, but reduce cooking time and add the shrimp at the very end just to warm through.
Can I make it dairy-free?
- Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for cream and omit Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
- Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch slurry if needed.
What potatoes are best for mashing?
- Yukon Golds for creaminess, russets for fluffiness. You can use either or a mix of both.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce coats the juicy shrimp perfectly, and when spooned over buttery mashed potatoes—it’s pure heaven on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this meal is sure to impress. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.