There are meals that feel like an indulgence, the kind that make you slow down with each bite, savoring the richness and depth of flavor. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is exactly that kind of dish. It’s not just dinner — it’s an experience, a cozy combination of creamy potatoes and tender, garlicky shrimp bathed in a luscious sauce. This recipe takes simple, wholesome ingredients and transforms them into a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to impress guests.
The pairing is classic: buttery mashed potatoes form the perfect base, absorbing every drop of the silky garlic cream sauce. On top, shrimp seared to perfection add a delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s a harmonious mix of textures — smooth, creamy potatoes; juicy, tender shrimp; and a sauce so flavorful, you’ll want to scoop it up with bread long after the shrimp are gone.
What makes this dish even better is how customizable it is. You can make it as simple or as elevated as you like — add fresh herbs for brightness, a splash of white wine for depth, or a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet night in or serving friends for a special occasion, this meal will always feel like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & flavorful – Garlic, Parmesan, and cream create a decadent sauce.
- Comfort meets elegance – Perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties.
- One-pan shrimp – Quick to cook and easy to clean up.
- Filling & satisfying – Potatoes add heartiness for a complete meal.
- Customizable – Adjust herbs, spices, and sauce add-ins to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well, then return the potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk, mashing until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt to taste, then cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm.
Pro Tip: Warming the milk before adding it prevents the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey and helps them stay light and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Note: Avoid overcrowding the skillet — cooking in batches ensures each shrimp gets a perfect sear.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (with any flavorful bits from cooking the shrimp), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as it simmers. Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Add-Ons: A splash of dry white wine will deepen the flavor, while a pinch of red chili flakes can add a subtle kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Arrange the shrimp on top, then drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, colorful finish.
Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best texture, while the sauce is warm and the shrimp are perfectly tender.
Tips & Variations
- Potato choice – Yukon Golds yield rich, buttery mash; Russets make for fluffier potatoes.
- Lighter version – Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra garlic flavor – Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for sweetness.
- Cheese swap – Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
- Vegetable boost – Add sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for color and nutrients.
Perfect Pairings
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is already a complete, satisfying meal, but you can round it out with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping
- A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories but high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C, while garlic is rich in antioxidants. The cream sauce is indulgent, but moderation allows you to enjoy the richness without going overboard.
FAQ
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, but reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely — just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I swap the potatoes for another base? Mashed cauliflower or polenta work wonderfully as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. The contrast between the creamy, garlicky sauce, the sweet and tender shrimp, and the comforting mashed potatoes creates a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. It’s quick enough to make on a busy night, but special enough to serve when you want to impress. Once you try it, you might just find yourself craving it again before the week is out.
The Goods
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
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Recipes
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well, then return the potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk, mashing until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt to taste, then cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm.
Pro Tip: Warming the milk before adding it prevents the mashed potatoes from becoming gluey and helps them stay light and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Note: Avoid overcrowding the skillet — cooking in batches ensures each shrimp gets a perfect sear.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Using the same skillet (with any flavorful bits from cooking the shrimp), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as it simmers. Add Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Add-Ons: A splash of dry white wine will deepen the flavor, while a pinch of red chili flakes can add a subtle kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Arrange the shrimp on top, then drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, colorful finish.
Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best texture, while the sauce is warm and the shrimp are perfectly tender.
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