There’s something magical about briny shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic cream, especially when those succulent morsels are served atop a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes. From the very first bite, your taste buds will be swept away by the harmonious dance of flavors: the gentle bite of garlic, the nutty undertones of Parmesan, and the subtle sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp. This beginner-friendly dinner recipe brings restaurant-quality flair straight to your home kitchen without any intimidating techniques. In just 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll transform simple pantry staples into a dish that feels indulgent and comforting—a true celebration of weeknight cooking.
I vividly remember the first time I whipped up this Creamy Garlic Shrimp + Mashed Potatoes for my family. My kitchen was filled with the satisfying sizzle of garlic hitting hot butter and olive oil, and a sense of pride swelled in my chest as I stirred heavy cream into the pan, watching it thicken into a sumptuous sauce. The mashed potatoes were equally momentous: silky, smooth, and seasoned just right. As a self-proclaimed comfort food enthusiast, I can tell you that this dish ticks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing around the dinner table. Each serving comes in at around 600 calories, making it a hearty choice for a dinner course that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY GARLIC SHRIMP + MASHED POTATOES
Before diving into the cooking steps, let’s take a quick tour of the star players in this recipe. Every ingredient brings texture, aroma, or depth, combining to create that irresistible creamy garlic shrimp experience on a bed of fluffy potatoes.
- Large Shrimp
Sweet and tender, this seafood superstar offers a satisfying pop with each bite. Peeled and deveined, the shrimp soak up the garlic-infused sauce effortlessly.
- Unsalted Butter
Provides a rich, creamy base for both the shrimp sauce and the mashed potatoes, ensuring a smooth mouthfeel and deep flavor.
- Olive Oil
Balances out the butter with a fruity note and raises the smoke point, perfect for sautéing garlic and shrimp without burning.
- Garlic
Minced and sautéed to fragrant perfection, garlic infuses the entire dish with a bright, aromatic punch.
- Heavy Cream
Creates the lusciously thick sauce that coats every shrimp, lending a velvety texture and indulgent taste.
- Chicken Broth
Adds savory depth and helps loosen the cream, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Melts into the sauce, bringing a nutty, salty complexity that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balance the richness of the cream.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh, green flavor.
- Potatoes
The foundation of the mash, these starchy gems become ultra-fluffy when cooked and mashed, creating the perfect base for the creamy shrimp.
- Milk
Lightens the mash and ensures it remains tender and smooth, blending seamlessly with butter for a dreamy texture.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GARLIC SHRIMP + MASHED POTATOES
Let’s dive into the cooking process! In this section, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that guide you through creating both the silky mashed potatoes and the luscious creamy garlic shrimp, ensuring every element comes together seamlessly in one satisfying plate.
1. Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, add the peeled and chopped potatoes, cover them with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them and return them to the still-warm pot. Add milk and butter, then use a masher or hand mixer to whip them into a smooth and creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust. Keep the mash warm while you work on the shrimp.
3. For the shrimp, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the flesh turns pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce to ensure each piece is well coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and the shrimp soak up some of that luscious sauce.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp directly over warm mashed potatoes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY GARLIC SHRIMP + MASHED POTATOES
Now that your Creamy Garlic Shrimp + Mashed Potatoes are ready, let’s talk about turning this meal into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re plating it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, these serving ideas will elevate your presentation and add layers of flavor and texture.
- Offer extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on the side, allowing everyone to customize their plate with an extra sprinkle of nutty cheese and vibrant greenery that brightens each bite.
- Pair the dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, while the fresh greens add a refreshing crunch contrast to the silky potatoes.
- Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables—asparagus, broccoli, or green beans work beautifully. Season them simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper to complement the robust flavors of the shrimp and cream sauce.
- Present a basket of warm crusty bread or garlic bread alongside the main course. Use these golden slices to mop up every last drop of the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring no spoonful of flavor goes to waste.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY GARLIC SHRIMP + MASHED POTATOES
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or saving leftovers for a quick lunch, proper storage is key to preserving the texture and flavor of this dish. Shrimp and dairy-based sauces can be a bit sensitive, so following a few simple steps will keep everything tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Transfer shrimp and mashed potatoes into separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate prevents the mash from soaking up too much sauce and ensures even reheating.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze, place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. For the shrimp, flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container. Freeze both for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat mashed potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation or curdling of the cream.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and keep them warm in a covered dish or slow cooker on the lowest setting. Cook the shrimp and sauce just before serving to enjoy the freshest textures and flavors.
CONCLUSION
Bringing Creamy Garlic Shrimp + Mashed Potatoes into your home kitchen is like opening the door to a warm, flavorful hug on a plate. From the smooth, dreamy mash to the succulent shrimp drenched in a savory garlic cream sauce, every element of this dish shines on its own and even more when enjoyed together. This beginner-friendly recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting dinner without spending hours at the stove. With approximately 600 calories per serving, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and practicality, letting you savor each bite without feeling overwhelmed.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it on your device for easy access whenever a shrimp-and-potato craving strikes. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below to address any tweaks or questions that come up as you recreate this meal—whether you’re curious about substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or adding a hint of spice with red pepper flakes. I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you, so please leave a comment, share any questions, or let me know if you have feedback on making it your own. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp + Mashed Potatoes
Description
Experience the richness of sautéed shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, served over silky smooth mashed potatoes. A delightful comfort meal!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. In a large pot, add the peeled and chopped potatoes, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
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Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and return them to the pot. Add 1/4 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
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For the shrimp, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
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Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the warm mashed potatoes.
Note
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for zestiness.
- Garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese on top adds a delicious touch.
- For extra spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shrimp.
- If you prefer, use fresh dill or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor.
