Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender seared shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce served atop smooth, buttery Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Perfect for a comforting, elegant meal that’s quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, offering a savory flavor profile balanced by the sweetness of shrimp and creamy texture of potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 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
Mashed Potatoes
- 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)
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 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
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of red chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot filled with cold water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well when done.
- Season Shrimp: While potatoes cook, pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season all over with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant without burning. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisk to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in nutmeg and cracked black pepper. Adjust salt to taste.
- Mash Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add butter and let it melt, then pour in heavy cream. Mash gently until smooth and creamy without overworking to prevent gluey texture. Season with salt and white pepper as desired.
- Finish Shrimp: Return shrimp to the garlic cream sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and coated in sauce.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with garlic shrimp and creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, chili flakes, and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are completely dry before searing to get a good crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic in the sauce as it will create bitterness.
- Do not overwork mashed potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- For dairy-free version, use plant-based cream, butter alternatives, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Substitute shrimp with firm white fish or chicken breast for shellfish allergies.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic cream sauce, seared shrimp, comfort food, easy dinner
