If there’s a dish that guarantees pure comfort and a whole lot of flavor, it’s creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes. For the Shrimp, juicy, pan-seared bites soaking in a luxurious blanket of garlic-infused sauce, nestled atop the fluffiest, buttery potatoes, every forkful feels like a celebration. This is the kind of meal you turn to when you want to impress, or just treat yourself to a little everyday luxury—because who can possibly resist shrimp in creamy garlic sauce?

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list here is short and familiar, but each component is essential to building the texture, color, and flavor that make this dish sing. For the Shrimp, every element has a special role that shouldn’t be skipped.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for high-quality, plump shrimp; they’re the star of the show and should taste sweet and juicy.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A quality olive oil helps develop a flavorful sear on the shrimp, infusing richness right from the start.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a bit of earthy warmth and a gorgeous color to the shrimp.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the shrimp’s flavor and pairs beautifully with the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
2 tablespoons butter: For the creamy garlic sauce, butter brings silkiness and a touch of indulgence.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is what makes the creamy sauce sing; don’t skimp on it!
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the thick, dreamy base for the sauce that coats every shrimp.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty richness.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Just a touch brings brightness and a subtle tang.
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Lightly sweet, herbal, and the perfect finishing touch for the shrimp and sauce.
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed: Workhorse potatoes form a fluffy base that soaks up every drop of creamy sauce.
½ cup warm milk: Helps whip the potatoes into creamy submission—don’t use it cold!
¼ cup butter: Makes the mashed potatoes decadently soft and flavorful.
Salt, to taste: The final seasoning for both potatoes and sauce—you want everything to pop.

How to Make creamy garlic shrimp

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and cubed potatoes in generously salted water until they’re perfectly fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return them to the warm pot. While they’re still steaming, mash with butter and warm milk, then whip the mixture until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste, cover, and keep them warm while you work on the rest. Taking this step first ensures you’ll have velvety potatoes ready right when For the Shrimp is finished.

Step 2: Cook For the Shrimp

Take your prepped shrimp and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This little spice rub brings big flavor and color. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side—just until they turn pink and opaque. Try not to crowd the pan, so each one gets that delicious, slightly crisp bite. Transfer the shrimp to a plate to rest as you make the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Without rinsing the skillet (because those browned bits are gold!), add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until the kitchen smells incredible. Pour in the cream, stir, and let it gently simmer. Add Parmesan and Dijon mustard, and continue simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until just thickened. Season with a little more salt and pepper. By the time it’s done, you’ll have a luscious, spoon-coating sauce that’s just begging to smother For the Shrimp.

Step 4: Assemble For the Shrimp and Potatoes

Spoon a hearty mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Crown it with the seared shrimp, then let the creamy garlic sauce cascade over everything. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an herby pop of green and serve right away so everything is warm and melded together. When you serve For the Shrimp over mashed potatoes, every bite is comfort food magic.

How to Serve creamy garlic shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves brings a touch of brightness to the creamy richness, while a quick shave of extra Parmesan cheese adds restaurant-worthy flair. If you love a bit of heat, a light scatter of red chili flakes makes For the Shrimp pop even more. Keep garnishes simple to let the bold flavors shine.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty, but a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or simple roasted asparagus make perfect, refreshing partners for the creamy mashed potatoes and shrimp. For the Shrimp, you’ll want sides that balance rather than compete with the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving For the Shrimp in small individual ramekins for a dinner party appetizer, or layer it in deep bowls for ultimate comfort food vibes. You could even swap the potatoes for creamy polenta or serve everything in a crusty bread bowl—whatever makes you smile is fair game.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce will thicken as it chills, but everything stays delicious if handled gently.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes and shrimp generally don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the mashed potatoes and creamy sauce separately for up to a month. It’s best to make fresh shrimp when you want to reheat and serve For the Shrimp, as reheated shrimp can get rubbery.

Reheating

Gently warm mashed potatoes and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen as needed. For the Shrimp, reheat shrimp in the sauce just until warm to maintain their tender texture—avoid high heat to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning for the shrimp, so you get that perfect sear and avoid extra moisture in your skillet.

What’s the best type of potato for the mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are amazing for creamy mashed potatoes. They both mash easily and soak up all that buttery, milky goodness that you’ll want when serving For the Shrimp over them.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a vegan butter alternative. There are also some great dairy-free Parmesan-style cheeses out there so you can still enjoy For the Shrimp if you’re avoiding dairy.

Is there a way to lighten up the creamy garlic sauce?

For a lighter sauce, use half and half or a plant-based cream alternative. Keep in mind the consistency might be a little thinner, but the garlicky flavor will still shine through For the Shrimp.

What other herbs go well with For the Shrimp?

Fresh parsley, basil, or even a touch of chive all add a pop of color and freshness. Play around with your favorites to make For the Shrimp your own signature dish!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes, you’ll see why it’s such a comfort kitchen staple—rich, utterly satisfying, and so easy to make at home. Give For the Shrimp a whirl the next time you want to wow family or just cozy up with something a little special. You deserve it!

creamy garlic shrimp