Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count works best); 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream); 1 teaspoon salt (to start); 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; Fresh cracked black pepper to taste; Pinch of nutmeg; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Pinch of red chili flakes; Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan for serving

Ingredients

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count works best)

1 tablespoon olive oil for searing

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted

1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream if preferred)

Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)

1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)

4 cloves garlic, freshly minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan)

1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Pinch of nutmeg

Optional Garnish:

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of red chili flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot filled with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: When potatoes have about 5 minutes left, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.

Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Add nutmeg and cracked pepper, then adjust salt if needed.

Step 6: Drain potatoes well, return to pot, and add butter. Let melt, then add cream and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper if using.

Step 7: Return shrimp to garlic cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce.

Step 8: Serve shrimp and sauce over mashed potatoes. Garnish with thyme, red chili flakes, parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an extra flavor boost, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce before serving.

Use scallops instead of shrimp for a different seafood twist.

For dairy-free, swap butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Overworking mashed potatoes can make them gluey; mash just until smooth and creamy.

If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer a bit longer or add more cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the mashed potatoes and make the garlic cream sauce in advance, then reheat gently and add freshly seared shrimp just before serving for best texture.