There’s something truly magical about serving Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes at your table. The pairing of velvety mashed potatoes with plump, paprika-kissed shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky sauce feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. For the Shrimp, this recipe brings savory depth, luxurious texture, and just the right hint of elegance without any fuss. It’s one of those showstopper dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy night in or as an impressive treat for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few pantry and fridge staples transform into something so outstanding. Each ingredient has a big role to play in hitting that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture you want in For the Shrimp.

Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for tender, juicy bites every time.
Olive Oil: Adds fruity richness while helping spices cling to the shrimp and ensuring a golden sear.
Paprika: Offers gentle heat and a lovely rosy color that makes For the Shrimp look irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Brings a mellow, savory undertone that enhances both the shrimp and creamy sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors, so be generous but taste as you go.
Butter: The secret to a silky sauce with a little extra decadence for For the Shrimp’s topping.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key for deep flavor—we want it to shine in the sauce!
Heavy Cream: Lends that luxurious, thick texture you expect in the best creamy shrimp dishes.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty zing and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Dijon Mustard (Optional): Just a dab for gentle tang and sophistication; it’s a subtle game-changer.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: A prettily fragrant finishing touch that brightens every bite of For the Shrimp.
Potatoes: Choose waxy or starchy (Yukon Gold or russet); either one mashes up creamy for the base.
Warm Milk: The secret to smooth mashed potatoes that won’t clump or turn gluey.
Butter (for potatoes): More richness ensures every forkful is downright dreamy.
Salt (for potatoes): Don’t skimp—a well-seasoned potato is crucial for the perfect mash.

How to Make For the Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and cubed potatoes in a generously salted pot of water—this boosts the flavor from the inside out. In about 15 minutes, they should be fork-tender. Drain well, then return them to the warm pot. Add the butter and warm milk, then mash until super creamy (you can use a hand mixer if you’re chasing extra-fluffy results). Season with salt to taste and pop a lid on to keep them steamy while you finish For the Shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Toss your shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—this coating is where For the Shrimp gets that first layer of flavor. Heat up a skillet and sear the shrimp just a few minutes per side until they’re perfectly pink and opaque. Do this in batches for even cooking and that irresistible golden color. Remove them and keep nearby while you make the luscious sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet—you want all those tasty bits left behind—melt the butter and sauté your fresh garlic until highly aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and let it gently bubble, then stir in the Parmesan and a touch of Dijon if using. Season, and let it simmer until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon. This sauce is the heart of For the Shrimp, so don’t rush; the flavors become richer by the minute.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

It’s time for the grand finish! Scoop a good bed of mashed potatoes onto each plate, pile on For the Shrimp, and ladle over as much of that creamy garlic sauce as you’d like. Finish with a shower of fresh thyme leaves for color and fragrance. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and inviting—trust me, no one will want to wait.

How to Serve For the Shrimp

Garnishes

A bright sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley makes For the Shrimp feel restaurant-worthy. For a hint of zest, grate a little lemon over each portion, or add a twist of cracked black pepper right before bringing the plates to the table.

Side Dishes

While the rich shrimp and mash hold their own, I like to serve For the Shrimp with a crisp green salad—think arugula tossed in a lemony vinaigrette—or some simply roasted asparagus or broccoli for contrast. Warm crusty bread is always a welcome guest at the table to help catch any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! Serve For the Shrimp piled high in shallow bowls for an upscale feel, or layer them in jars or martini glasses for a fun party appetizer. If you’re feeding a crowd, arrange everything on a big platter for family-style sharing that invites everyone to dig in with anticipation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining mashed potatoes and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the Shrimp, the sauce may thicken as it chills; just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes don’t always freeze perfectly and shrimp can sometimes change texture, you can freeze For the Shrimp in a pinch. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, ideally with the sauce and shrimp combined. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy For the Shrimp again, gently reheat the potatoes and sauce-covered shrimp on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating also works—just be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they’ll turn rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! For the Shrimp, just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavors or making the skillet steam instead of sear.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit lighter and not as creamy. If you need a non-dairy option, unsweetened coconut cream works in a pinch without overpowering For the Shrimp.

How do I keep the mashed potatoes from getting gluey?

Be sure to mash your potatoes while they’re hot, never overmix, and always use warm milk and melted butter. Using a ricer or potato masher instead of a food processor is the best way to get classic, fluffy results to go with For the Shrimp.

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Warm it gently before pouring over For the Shrimp, adding a splash of milk or cream if it thickens up too much in the fridge.

What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

Run a small paring knife down the back of each peeled shrimp and lift out the dark vein. Rinse under cold water. For the Shrimp to shine in this dish, clean, fresh shrimp really make a difference in both taste and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is pure comfort with a touch of elegance, and so much easier than it looks. Don’t wait for a special occasion—let For the Shrimp wow your family or friends tonight. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

For the Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, a decadent dish that combines tender shrimp with a velvety garlic sauce served atop creamy mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes Boil 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.

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