Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Few dishes can compete with the comforting allure of creamy garlic shrimp served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. This dish is the perfect marriage of flavors and textures: succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce paired with the smooth, comforting embrace of perfectly mashed potatoes. Together, they create a plate that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and approachable enough for weeknight dinners.

Shrimp, with its delicate sweetness and tender bite, pairs beautifully with garlic’s pungent warmth and the richness of cream. When cooked properly, the shrimp stay juicy and tender, soaking up the fragrant sauce that carries subtle hints of herbs and a touch of tanginess. Meanwhile, creamy mashed potatoes provide a luscious base that complements the sauce perfectly, offering a contrast of texture and a neutral canvas that highlights the shrimp.

This recipe is a celebration of classic flavors prepared with care and attention. The creamy garlic sauce is not overly heavy but balances richness and brightness, often enhanced with a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the palate. The mashed potatoes are whipped to a silky smoothness, seasoned simply yet effectively to bring out their natural flavor.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something truly satisfying, creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is a dish that never disappoints. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food with a touch of sophistication, showing that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can yield extraordinary results.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through every step—from selecting the freshest shrimp to making the perfect mashed potatoes, creating the garlic cream sauce, plating, and garnishing. You’ll also find tips on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and flavor variations that allow you to tailor this dish to your taste and occasion.

Get ready to elevate your home cooking with a dish that blends the best of land and sea, creaminess and zest, texture and flavor. Let’s dive into making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes — a true comfort classic.

Detailed Instructions: How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients Overview (for 4 servings)

• For the mashed potatoes:

  • 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (warmed)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• For the creamy garlic shrimp:

  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Juice of half a lemon

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1.1 Peel and cut potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly equal-sized chunks (about 1.5 inches).

• This ensures even cooking.

1.2 Boil the potatoes:

• Place the potato chunks in a large pot.

• Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.

• Bring to a boil over high heat.

• Reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

1.3 Drain and mash:

• Drain the potatoes well.

• Return them to the hot pot or a mixing bowl.

• Add butter immediately so it melts into the potatoes.

• Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash until smooth.

1.4 Add cream and season:

• Gradually add warmed milk or cream while continuing to mash until you reach your preferred consistency—creamy and smooth.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Keep warm while preparing the shrimp.

Tip: For extra fluffy potatoes, avoid over-mixing as it can make them gluey.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

2.1 Clean the shrimp:

• Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water.

• Pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.

2.2 Season the shrimp:

• Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

3.1 Heat butter:

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

3.2 Cook shrimp:

• Add shrimp to the hot butter in a single layer.

• Cook without moving for about 2 minutes until pink and slightly golden on one side.

• Flip and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

• Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Tip: Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

4.1 Sauté garlic:

• In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

4.2 Deglaze pan:

• Pour in white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer no alcohol).

• Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits.

• Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.

4.3 Add cream and Parmesan:

• Reduce heat to medium-low.

• Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

• Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

4.4 Finish the sauce:

• Stir in lemon juice.

• Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

• Toss to coat shrimp evenly in the creamy garlic sauce.

• Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until shrimp are warmed through and sauce is well combined.

Step 6: Plate the Dish

• Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.

• Top the mashed potatoes with a hearty serving of the creamy garlic shrimp.

• Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and potatoes.

• Optionally, add a wedge of lemon on the side.

• Serve immediately with a fresh green vegetable or salad to balance richness.