Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a dish that brings together the richness of succulent shrimp, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and smooth mashed potatoes in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting. This meal is perfect for a special occasion or when you just want to indulge in something satisfying yet elegant. It’s a beautiful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a memorable dish everyone will love.

With creamy mashed potatoes as the base, and tender shrimp coated in a creamy garlic sauce, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s indulgent, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner and versatile enough to impress guests at dinner parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy – Velvety garlic sauce that complements tender shrimp

• Comforting yet elegant – Perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together to create a luxurious meal

• Great for special occasions – Serve it up for date night, holidays, or dinner parties

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Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need

Shrimp

Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for ease. Shrimp is quick to cook and adds protein, making it a perfect match for creamy sauces.

Mashed Potatoes

For the mashed potatoes, you’ll need Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are creamy, making them ideal for mashing.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is a must in this recipe. You’ll need it both for the mashed potatoes (for flavor) and the creamy garlic sauce for the shrimp.

Heavy Cream & Butter

To make the mashed potatoes rich and creamy, use heavy cream and unsalted butter. These two ingredients also help make the garlic sauce creamy and luscious.

Parmesan Cheese

A little grated parmesan cheese in the mashed potatoes and sauce adds depth and saltiness. It’s optional but recommended for that extra indulgence.

Chicken Broth

To thin out the garlic cream sauce and infuse it with flavor, you’ll need chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley is a fresh, vibrant garnish that complements the richness of the dish. You can also use thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper

These basic seasonings will balance all the flavors.

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

• Peel and cut about 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes into chunks.

• Boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.

• Drain and return potatoes to the pot.

• Mash with ½ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.

• Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional) for extra creaminess. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) to the skillet.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add:

• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

• Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

• Add 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup chicken broth, and 1 tsp lemon juice.

• Stir and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens.

• Stir in ¼ cup parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce

• Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.

• Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce, simmering for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve

• Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.

• Top with the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Use warm cream and butter when mashing for a smoother consistency.

• If the potatoes are too thick, add a splash of warm milk or cream to loosen them.

• Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time, and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook very quickly and can turn rubbery if cooked for too long.

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a little garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil before cooking.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the heavy cream in the sauce and use more butter and a touch of white wine for a garlicky butter sauce.

• Add Veggies: Serve the shrimp and mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach, broccoli, or roasted vegetables for added nutrients.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.

Substitutions

• Dairy-Free? Use dairy-free cream, butter alternatives, and dairy-free parmesan in place of dairy ingredients.

• Gluten-Free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth if needed.

• No Shrimp? This recipe works well with other proteins such as scallops, chicken breast, or salmon.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve this creamy garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes for:

• Special occasions like date night, anniversaries, or holidays

• Weeknight dinners for an easy and comforting meal

• Impressing guests at a dinner party

• A cozy family meal that everyone will enjoy

Pair with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans

• A glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully)

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 480–520

• Protein: 30–35g

• Fat: 30–35g

• Carbs: 25–30g (depending on portion of mashed potatoes)

• Fiber: 2–3g

Health Highlights:

• Shrimp: High in protein and low in fat; provides essential minerals like selenium, iodine, and zinc.

• Mashed Potatoes: Rich in potassium and vitamin C (if using real potatoes).

• Olive Oil & Butter: Healthy fats for heart health and flavor.

• Garlic: Packed with antioxidants and linked to immune-boosting properties.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The shrimp and creamy sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated, but mashed potatoes are best served fresh. You can make the mashed potatoes and reheat them when ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the heavy cream and butter for dairy-free alternatives. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

The shrimp and sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month. However, mashed potatoes tend to change texture when frozen. Reheat leftovers gently and consider making fresh mashed potatoes to serve with the frozen shrimp.

5. Can I use another type of potato?

You can use russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes, but Yukon gold provides a creamier, buttery texture that works best in this dish.

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