If you’re searching for a truly indulgent comfort meal, look no further than Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. For the Shrimp, every bite brings together plump, juicy shellfish coated in a silky, garlicky sauce, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy potatoes. This dish is both weeknight-simple and dinner-party-worthy, bringing elegance and flavor to your table without any fuss. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to whip up something that tastes this decadent right at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this dish is how each ingredient plays its own vital role to create layers of flavor, lush texture, and tempting color. The lineup is wonderfully straightforward, letting every element shine and making the recipe a breeze from start to finish.

For the Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — These are the stars! Opt for big, plump shrimp for the juiciest bites.
For the Shrimp: 2 tablespoons olive oil — Adds richness and helps the spices cling, resulting in beautifully golden shrimp.
For the Shrimp: 1 teaspoon paprika — Gives a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous blush of color.
For the Shrimp: 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Boosts the shrimp with a gentle garlicky undertone right from the start.
For the Shrimp: Salt and pepper, to taste — Essential for waking up all the flavors.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter — Makes everything luscious and helps build that silky sauce base.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 4 cloves garlic, minced — Bold, unmistakable garlic flavor that defines the sauce.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream — Brings all the creaminess and ties the sauce together beautifully.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Adds nutty, salty depth and irresistibly melty texture.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) — For a gentle tang and a touch of complexity.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Salt and pepper, to taste — Taste as you go to get that perfect seasoning.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish) — Bright and aromatic, a beautiful finishing touch.
For the Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed — The creamy base; Yukon Golds or Russets both work fabulously.
For the Mashed Potatoes: ½ cup warm milk — Ensures a smooth, pillowy mash every time.
For the Mashed Potatoes: ¼ cup butter — Rich flavor and that signature mash creaminess.
For the Mashed Potatoes: Salt, to taste — Don’t be shy; potatoes love their salt for maximum flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need: Large pot, potato masher or mixer, skillet, bowls, measuring cups/spoons, utensils, knife, and cutting board — Gather these ahead so your cooking flows effortlessly.

How to Make For the Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by adding your peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Drain them well and return to the pot. While they’re still hot, mash them thoroughly with butter and warm milk until you reach your preferred smoothness. Season generously with salt and cover to keep them luxuriously warm. Trust me, that little bit of warm milk is the secret to dreamy, no-lump mashed potatoes every single time!

Step 2: Cook For the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, making sure every shrimp is well coated with those spices. Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot, then lay the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn perfectly pink and opaque. Avoid crowding the pan—the shrimp need their space for maximum flavor and that gorgeous golden sear. If necessary, work in two batches. Once cooked, remove For the Shrimp onto a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet (hello, extra flavor!), melt in the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—it’ll fill your kitchen with the best aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard if you’re feeling adventurous. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce bubble gently for 3–5 minutes until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is pure magic draped over For the Shrimp!

Step 4: Assemble For the Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

On each plate, make a cozy bed of mashed potatoes. Top with a generous pile of shrimp, then ladle that dreamy creamy garlic sauce right over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. Serve immediately and get ready for some serious table silence followed by happy sighs!

How to Serve For the Shrimp

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this dish like a fresh, herby garnish. A scattering of fresh thyme leaves adds color and just the right herbal note, but you can also try fresh chopped parsley or a little lemon zest for brightness. For the Shrimp, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a handful of microgreens brings a fancy, restaurant-style finish without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Since Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is quite rich, I love pairing it with something fresh and crisp—think a vibrant green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, or some quickly sautéed asparagus or broccolini. The combination is a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes! For the Shrimp, any veggie side that cuts through the creaminess will make the meal feel lighter and perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is absolutely made to impress, but it’s so easy to add your own flourish! For the Shrimp, try layering everything in individual bowls for a cozy, bistro-style vibe, or arrange it on a big platter family-style and let everyone dig in. For a dinner party, you can even serve the shrimp and sauce in mini ramekins over little scoops of mashed potatoes for a stunning appetizer. The possibilities are endless—and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra (lucky you!), store For the Shrimp and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping them apart ensures the shrimp stay tender and the potatoes maintain their creamy texture. The sauce may thicken a bit, but that’s easily fixable with a quick stir and a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes are freezer-friendly for up to a month, For the Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can sometimes change their texture, making them a bit rubbery when reheated. If you must freeze, try freezing just the mashed potatoes and sauce, then make fresh shrimp when you’re ready to serve again. This way, you keep every part of the dish at its peak!

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mashed potatoes and sauce gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding a splash more milk or cream to get things creamy again. For the Shrimp, gently reheat in a skillet or microwave just until warm—overcooking at this stage can make them tough. Combine everything on your plate and enjoy all over again!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw For the Shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them get that beautiful sear and prevents excess moisture from watering down the sauce.

What’s the best kind of potato for the mash?

Yukon Golds offer a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets work really well if you prefer classic, fluffy mashed potatoes. Both are great choices—just peel and cube for even cooking and perfect smoothness.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream in the sauce?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less thick and rich. Adding a splash of chicken broth or using just a bit less cream can also lighten things up while keeping For the Shrimp luscious!

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

The key is to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove For the Shrimp from the pan as soon as they’re done, since residual heat will continue cooking them a bit even after you take them out.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes make vibrant, tasty additions. Fold the veggies right into the sauce or scatter them over the mashed potatoes before topping with For the Shrimp. It’s a fun way to add color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try For the Shrimp in this dreamy, creamy garlic sauce over mashed potatoes. It’s a true joy to pull off a dish that feels so special yet comes together so simply. Gather your ingredients, grab that skillet, and treat yourself and your loved ones to some well-deserved comfort—trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again!

For the Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy garlic shrimp served over a bed of velvety mashed potatoes. This decadent dish is a perfect combination of savory shrimp, luscious cream sauce, and comforting potatoes.

Instructions

Make the Mashed PotatoesBoil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain them and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste, then cover to keep warm.
Cook the ShrimpToss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic SauceIn the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble the DishSpoon mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a generous helping of shrimp. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

Warming the milk helps the mashed potatoes stay smooth and fluffy rather than gluey.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure even searing.
Optional add-ons: A splash of white wine or a pinch of red chili flakes will elevate the sauce further.
Serve immediately for the best experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: American