Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: For the Shrimp; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the Cream Sauce; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh thyme, for garnish; For the Mashed Potatoes; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed; ½ cup warm milk; ¼ cup butter; Salt, to taste

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that blends elegance with comfort, look no further than Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. This delightful culinary creation offers a delectable mix of flavors and textures, combining juicy, paprika-seasoned shrimp with a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. The crowning glory is a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, infused with garlic and adorned with fresh thyme. Not only is this dish rich and indulgent, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, coming together beautifully in under an hour. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a romantic date night, or wish to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.

The real beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and fuss, you can create a meal that feels special without the stress of complicated preparation. The naturally gluten-free elements mean it caters to various dietary needs while the option to customize with different proteins or vegetables provides endless possibilities. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both comforting and sophisticated, striking the ideal balance for those moments when you want to savor something more indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Restaurant Quality at Home: Achieve big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for satisfying your craving for a gourmet experience.
Adaptable: Easily swap proteins, add veggies, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste and preference.
Naturally Gluten-Free: All fresh and simple ingredients mean no flour and plenty of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Cozy enough for a night in, yet impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delightful dish, step into your kitchen ready to create magic with this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe. Start by organizing your workspace and gathering all the ingredients, ensuring you have everything you need close by. You’ll require some basic kitchen tools: a large pot for boiling the potatoes, a colander for draining, a sturdy potato masher, a skillet for the shrimp and cream sauce, and standard kitchen utensils like a knife and spatula.

Preparation is key, so begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly. This helps speed up the boiling process and guarantees an even, smooth texture for your mashed potatoes. For the shrimp, having them peeled and deveined in advance will streamline your cooking process, allowing for quick seasoning and searing. Make sure your skillet is heated properly before adding the shrimp, so they develop a lovely crust without overcooking. With a little organization and the right tools, you’ll find this recipe is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cream Sauce
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup butter
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by placing the peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook them until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes using a colander, then return them to the pot. Add in the butter and warm milk, and mash everything together until you achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste, cover the pot to keep warm, and set aside. Pro Tip: Using warm milk helps maintain the fluffiness of your potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the potatoes are cooking, in a medium bowl, toss the large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally as it starts to simmer gently. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Spoon generous portions of the mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the cooked shrimp and drizzle the entire ensemble with the cream sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving immediately.

Variations

Protein: Swap the shrimp for chicken breast slices or even scallops for a different protein base.
Vegetables: Add a layer of sautéed spinach or wilted kale beneath the shrimp for an added nutritional boost.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the cream sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the shrimps are not overcooked; they should be pink and opaque, which indicates they’re done.
For extra fluffiness, whip the potatoes briefly with a handheld mixer after mashing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
Complement with a chilled glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the rich flavors.

Tips

Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning; it aids in achieving a nice sear.
Keep a keen eye on the cream sauce to prevent it from boiling over, which can alter its consistency.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 530 per serving
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a substitute, half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese can work, but they may alter the sauce’s richness.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To add more heat, incorporate cayenne pepper in your shrimp seasoning or spice up the cream sauce with a touch of hot sauce.

What can I do with leftover cream sauce?

Leftover cream sauce can be refrigerated and used later as a decadent dressing for roasted vegetables or pasta dishes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a divine blend of tastes and textures that are perfect for any occasion—from a cozy meal for two to a stunning party dish. It’s an easy yet sophisticated recipe that harnesses fresh ingredients to deliver a flavor-packed experience. Whether you stick to the foundational recipe or explore the suggested variations, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, creamy shrimp and soft, buttery mashed potatoes. Feel free to share your results or any variations you tried in the comments. Invite your loved ones to enjoy this delicious recipe; they’ll surely thank you for the gourmet experience.