Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Creamy Garlic Shrimp served over luxuriously smooth mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, featuring a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg. This elegant yet simple dish combines succulent seared shrimp with comforting buttery mashed potatoes for an indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
- 1 teaspoon salt (start with)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of red chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cube Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot filled with cold salted water (water should taste slightly salty). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Season and Dry Shrimp: While potatoes cook, pat shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Sear Shrimp: When potatoes have about 5 minutes remaining, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding and sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside. (Can be done in batches.)
- Make Garlic Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Pour in heavy cream and broth, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Season: Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Finish Mashed Potatoes: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to pot. Add butter and let melt, then pour in heavy cream. Mash with potato masher until smooth and creamy, avoiding overworking to prevent gluey texture. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return shrimp to skillet with garlic cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until shrimp are heated through and coated in sauce.
- Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with creamy garlic shrimp. Garnish with fresh thyme, red chili flakes, chopped parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Pat shrimp dry thoroughly for a perfect sear.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing shrimp to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes; Russets work but are less creamy.
- Be careful not to burn garlic during sauce preparation to avoid bitterness.
- Do not overwork mashed potatoes to prevent a gluey texture.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Optional garnishes like fresh thyme and chili flakes add complexity and heat.
Keywords: shrimp, garlic cream sauce, mashed potatoes, creamy shrimp, stovetop dinner, easy dinner recipe, Parmesan shrimp, buttery mashed potatoes
