This irresistible Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is truly the definition of comfort food, featuring plump, juicy shrimp nestled atop a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes, all blanketed in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll love the way the shrimp’s delicate sweetness plays with that creamy sauce, especially when you spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate for the perfect base. It’s a dinner that feels like a hug, sure to bring smiles and full, happy bellies to your table.

Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this stunning yet easy recipe is all in the ingredients. Each component is chosen to bring out the best in the others, from the fluffy potatoes to the garlicky, savory sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for that juicy, tender bite and ease of eating.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the shrimp’s spices stick, while crisping the outside ever-so-slightly.
Paprika: Lends color and a gentle smoky depth to the shrimp.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall garlic flavor, complementing the fresh cloves in the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: The essentials—don’t skimp! Season both the shrimp and the potatoes for full flavor.
Butter: Used in both the mashed potatoes and the sauce, it brings silkiness and a comforting aroma.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh and minced for maximum aroma and complexity in the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The backbone of the sauce, making every bite lusciously smooth and luxurious.
Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the sauce with depth, savoriness, and an irresistible umami punch.
Dijon Mustard (optional): For anyone craving a touch of tang to balance the creamy sauce.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: Sprinkled on at the end for a touch of color and an herby fragrance.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work perfectly, mashing up creamy and fluffy every time.
Warm Milk: Helps the potatoes whip up extra smooth and prevents them from seizing up or turning gluey.

How to Make Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes, then drop them into a big pot of salted water. Bring it all to a boil and let them cook until they’re fork-tender—that perfect mashable stage—about 15 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain them and put them right back in the pot. Mash thoroughly with butter and warm milk until they’re cloud-like and utterly smooth, then season generously with salt. Keep them covered and warm, since you’ll want them ready when it’s time to spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

While your potatoes are bubbling away, toss your shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side; you’re looking for them to turn perfectly pink and opaque. Try not to crowd the pan so they sear beautifully—then transfer them to a plate while you tackle the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Keep that same skillet on the stove (so all those tasty shrimp bits flavor the sauce). Melt the butter, then add your minced garlic and let it sizzle till fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if you’re using it, stirring until everything melds into a silky, slightly thickened sauce. Season with salt and pepper to amplify each flavor note.

Step 4: Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate and Assemble

Here’s the most satisfying part: spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, forming a tasty mound. Top each with a generous pile of shrimp, then pour that decadent creamy garlic sauce over everything. Finish with a flutter of fresh thyme leaves for color and a lovely herbaceous kick. Serve right away, while everything is hot and inviting—it’s a show-stopping plate you won’t be able to resist.

How to Serve Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate

Garnishes

After you spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, don’t forget the final flourishes. A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves not only lifts the flavor but adds a pop of color that makes each serving look like a restaurant masterpiece. For extra vibrancy, you might shred a little extra Parmesan on top, or even add a few twists of cracked black pepper. Microgreens or a scattering of chives also work beautifully as a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish is so rich and creamy that it’s best paired with something light and fresh. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp side salad cut through the decadence and add welcome crunch. Fresh bread is never out of place, especially for mopping up the extra sauce once you’ve spooned mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner chef! Use a ring mold to make a neat round of mashed potatoes in the center of each dish, spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, then stack shrimp on top and drizzle with sauce. Another fun approach is to serve in small ramekins or mini casseroles for individual portions. If you’re feeling casual, let guests build their own with a DIY mashed potato and shrimp bar for a build-your-own comfort feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store mashed potatoes and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The potatoes will last up to three days, and the shrimp and sauce are best enjoyed within two days for maximum freshness.

Freezing

Mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Chill thoroughly, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. The shrimp and creamy sauce, however, are better enjoyed fresh as cream sauces can separate upon freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore their creaminess. For the shrimp and sauce, warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a little extra cream if needed to bring the sauce back together. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp juicy and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw, peel, and dry them well beforehand so they sear nicely, ensuring your spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate are topped with plump, flavorful shrimp.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich. For the full velvety effect, opt for heavy cream whenever possible.

What potatoes are best for mashing?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the go-to choices. They become wonderfully creamy and fluffy, making it pure joy when you spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy cream alternatives in both the potatoes and the sauce. The flavors will be different but still comforting and delicious.

Can I prepare anything in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and reheat before serving. The shrimp is best cooked just before serving, but having everything prepped means all you need to do is quickly assemble and spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that are big in flavor and full of comfort, you owe it to yourself to try this dish. Grab your favorite plates, spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, garlicky, shrimp-topped meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe always has a place at my table, and I hope it becomes a favorite at yours too!

Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a luxurious and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce served over smooth and buttery mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them 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 Shrimp: Toss 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 Sauce: In 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 Dish: Spoon 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. Serve immediately while everything is warm and creamy for best results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American