Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes 

 Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes 

A restaurant-quality meal made at home — rich, buttery mashed potatoes topped with juicy shrimp bathed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine soft, buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth, topped with plump shrimp sautéed in olive oil, bathed in a creamy garlic sauce loaded with parmesan, cream, and just a hint of spice. It’s an easy recipe that tastes like fine dining — and it all comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or romantic weekends! 

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (or unsalted butter)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter version)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (secret flavor booster)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs (about 4 large) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for richness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
4. Drain well and return to the pot to release steam.

 Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

1. Add butter, warm milk, and sour cream.
2. Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside.

Chef’s Tip: Use warm milk and room-temp sour cream to prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey. 

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until opaque and pink. Remove shrimp and set aside
4. Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
3. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Stir in lemon juice, return the shrimp to the pan, and coat with the sauce. Heat for 1 more minute.

Flavor Boost: Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream and cheese. 

Step 5: Assemble the Plate

1. Spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate or bowl.
2. Top with shrimp and plenty of creamy garlic sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if desired.
4. Recipe Notes & Variations

• No Shrimp? Try this with scallops, diced chicken breast, or even sautéed mushrooms.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the sour cream in the mash.
• Make it Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes to the sauce.
• Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Do not microwave the shrimp for long, as it may become rubbery.
• What to Serve With It

• A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the sauce

• Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook very fast — once they curl and turn pink, they’re done.
• Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp. Pat dry to avoid excess water in the pan.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the skillet.

• Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes recipe is pure comfort in every bite — buttery, cheesy, and brimming with garlic goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or meal prep for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. 

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