For the Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is absolutely the way to go. It perfectly balances succulent, seasoned shrimp swimming in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, all resting on a bed of buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes. This comforting recipe is satisfying yet elegant, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends at a casual dinner party. For the Shrimp, each step brings out the best flavors with simple ingredients that shine beautifully together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together in perfect harmony, delivering incredible taste and texture without fuss. Every component adds a touch of richness, spice, or creaminess that makes this dish utterly irresistible.

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are essential for tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the shrimp develop a nice sear.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the shrimp a gentle smoky flavor and vibrant color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the shrimp’s flavor with an extra garlic punch.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural goodness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: The base for the creamy garlic sauce, lending richness and depth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with bright, aromatic flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates silky texture and irresistible creaminess for the sauce.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty kick and helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Provides a little tangy complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and an herbal note that complements shrimp beautifully.
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed: The perfect foundation for smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
• ½ cup warm milk: Keeps mashed potatoes creamy and fluffy.
• ¼ cup butter: Enriches the mashed potatoes with a velvety finish.
• Salt, to taste: Balances flavors throughout the dish.

How to Make For the Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling your peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Once perfectly cooked, drain and return them to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until you achieve smooth, creamy perfection. Don’t rush here—warming the milk beforehand makes all the difference in keeping the potatoes light and fluffy rather than gummy. Salt them well, cover, and keep warm while you prepare for the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook For the Shrimp

Now it’s time for the star! Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The combination of spices will give your shrimp a beautiful depth of flavor and a mild kick of warmth. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. Cook in batches if necessary—this ensures every shrimp has that crave-worthy golden edge.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—about one glorious minute where your kitchen fills with the aroma of garlic goodness. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer it. Next, stir in the savory Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper, then let everything meld together for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly into silken richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of white wine or a pinch of chili flakes can elevate this sauce to a whole new level.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish For the Shrimp

Spoon a generous portion of those heavenly mashed potatoes onto each plate. Pile on the beautifully cooked shrimp, then lavish everything with the creamy garlic sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color. This dish is best served immediately so you can enjoy the contrast of warm, creamy textures with the tender shrimp in every bite.

How to Serve For the Shrimp

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves not only brighten the plate visually but add a mild earthiness that balances the creaminess. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or finely chopped parsley for a fresh, green touch. A thin lemon wedge on the side can invite a quick squeeze of citrus if your guests like a bit of zing with their seafood.

Side Dishes

This dish is already quite rich, so lighter side options work beautifully. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the shrimp without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present For the Shrimp

Want to impress? Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over individual ramekins filled with mashed potatoes for elegant plating. Alternatively, pile the shrimp and sauce over a bed of cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist. For a casual vibe, present it family-style in a large shallow bowl with plenty of fresh herbs and lemon wedges nestled alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover shrimp, sauce, and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the mashed potatoes and sauce separately. Dollop mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers and cover the creamy sauce tightly in another container. Both can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked shrimp freeze well too but may become a bit rubbery, so freezing is optional.

Reheating

Warm the mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Reheat the sauce slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Add the shrimp last and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to achieve a nice sear. Removing excess moisture is key to getting those flavorful edges.

What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds create the fluffiest, creamiest mash. Yukon Golds tend to have a buttery flavor, making them especially ideal for this dish.

Is Dijon mustard necessary in the creamy garlic sauce?

Nope, it’s optional! It adds a subtle tang and depth, but the sauce is delicious even without it.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly—typically 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on size. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Avoid overcooking, or they’ll become tough.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious without requiring a culinary degree. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting dinner at home, For the Shrimp, this recipe shines with its rich sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a favorite you come back to time and again.

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