Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Succulent shrimp drenched in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce, nestled atop a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes—this dish is pure comfort on a plate. The shrimp are tender and juicy, seared just right to bring out their natural sweetness, while the rich sauce clings to every bite with its silky texture and bold, herby flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to pull together.

Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a comforting weeknight meal, or something special for guests, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes offers the perfect balance of elegance and ease. Each spoonful combines the creamy richness of buttery potatoes with the savory punch of garlic-infused shrimp, all brought together by a sauce that's full of depth and warmth.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

This dish brings together two beloved comfort foods—shrimp and mashed potatoes—in a way that's both luxurious and quick to make. You’ll love how the flavors marry together effortlessly, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for seafood lovers looking for a creamy twist. Plus, the recipe can be adapted for a variety of diets and occasions.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this recipe to life, you'll need a few key tools: a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet, a pot for boiling potatoes, a colander for draining, a potato masher or hand mixer for mashing, and a whisk for blending the sauce. The skillet is crucial for getting a good sear on the shrimp, locking in flavor and texture. The pot and colander streamline the potato prep, while the masher or mixer ensures that creamy, dreamy texture we all crave. A whisk is essential for creating a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.

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Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients ahead of time—clean and devein the shrimp, chop your garlic and herbs, and peel your potatoes. Use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce, and don’t skimp on the butter for the mashed potatoes. When cooking shrimp, avoid overcooking them—once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. For extra flavor in the mash, add a bit of garlic powder or roasted garlic. Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to balance the richness of the dish.

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or roasted garlic for extra flavor

For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

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Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Cover and keep warm.

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Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

While the potatoes are boiling, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. If not already cleaned, make sure to peel and devein them thoroughly. This ensures even cooking and better presentation.

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Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Do not overcook; they will finish in the sauce.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the brown bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.

Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

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Step 5: Combine Shrimp with the Sauce

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Stir them gently into the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes just to warm them through. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto a plate or into a bowl. Top with a heaping scoop of the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy this rich, comforting meal.

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Notes

For extra richness in the mashed potatoes, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese. This adds tang and a velvety texture. When preparing the sauce, simmer it gently to avoid curdling the cream. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded gives the sauce a smoother consistency and more robust flavor. If you're preparing this for a dinner party, you can make the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them just before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re ready. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Undersalting the mashed potatoes: Potatoes absorb salt, so taste frequently and season in layers.
• Skipping the deglaze step: Deglazing with broth pulls up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth to the sauce.
• Using low-fat cream: The sauce may split or not thicken properly. Stick with heavy cream for best results.
• Adding cheese too early: If the sauce is too hot when you add Parmesan, it can become grainy. Let the sauce cool slightly before stirring it in.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the shrimp and mashed potatoes separately. Reheat the shrimp gently over low heat on the stovetop to maintain tenderness, and add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. The mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of butter or milk to bring back their creamy consistency.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 240mg
• Sodium: 820mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

They turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp form a tight circle and become rubbery.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli can be mixed into the sauce or served on the side.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold for creaminess or russet for a fluffier mash.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the mashed potatoes ahead and reheat them. The shrimp and sauce are best made fresh, but can be stored for a day or two.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a soul-satisfying dish that delivers indulgent flavors with every bite. It's an ideal choice for cozy nights in, date-night dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort. The balance of creamy, savory, and garlicky richness makes it a repeat-worthy recipe that feels special every time you make it.

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