Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful seafood dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or date nights at home. Juicy shrimp coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce served over buttery mashed potatoes make one of the best shrimp recipes for dinner—rich, satisfying, and irresistibly good.

Why You’ll Love It

Restaurant-quality meal: Creamy and savory shrimp dish made at home.
Quick to prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes—ideal for weeknights.
Comfort food flavor: The garlic cream sauce pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes.
Versatile: Serve as a main course or a special seafood side.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Want another creamy comfort meal? Try the Creamy Ground Beef Skillet next—perfect for family dinners.

Instructions

Boil the potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Make the mashed potatoes: Drain, then mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the creamy garlic sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking to combine. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan: Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine: Return shrimp to the pan, toss in the sauce, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top with creamy garlic shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley.

This dish pairs perfectly with a side of Cucumber Carrot Salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced seafood dish recipe that feels special any night of the week.

Shrimp in garlic cream sauce over mashed potatoes, top-down view

Tips & Variations

Sauce thickness: If too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer longer.
Extra flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Cheese swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Potato base: Substitute mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy shrimp dish is best served hot over fluffy mashed potatoes, but it’s equally delicious over rice or pasta. For a seafood feast, serve it alongside lobster tails or grilled baby octopus.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this sauce without cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version.

What other sides go well?

Try roasted asparagus or garlic bread for a complete seafood dinner.

More to Try

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers everything you love about delicious seafood recipes—rich flavor, simple prep, and pure comfort. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or a romantic evening, it’s sure to become one of your favorite shrimp dishes for any occasion.