Creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp in a rich, flavorful sauce with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for many home cooks.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious seafood meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy garlic sauce enhances the flavors of the shrimp, while the mashed potatoes provide a comforting base. It’s a great way to impress family or guests with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, yet is simple enough for any home cook to master.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Directions:
- Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter and warm milk until smooth. Season with salt and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan and Dijon (if using), and then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Dish
- Plate the mashed potatoes, top with shrimp, pour over sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Serve this dish warm, ensuring each plate gets a generous helping of mashed potatoes topped with the shrimp and creamy sauce. You can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme as a garnish for a lovely presentation.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can last up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Be mindful that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you may want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
- Ensure the shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if frozen for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce based on your preference.
- Using warm milk when making the mashed potatoes helps them stay creamy and smooth.
- If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
Variation
For a healthier twist, you can swap regular potatoes with cauliflower to make a creamy cauliflower mash. You can also add vegetables like spinach or tomatoes to the shrimp dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for making creamy mashed potatoes.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the mashed potatoes and sauce ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Enjoy your homemade creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes! This dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal.
- ½ cup warm milk Helps keep the potatoes creamy.
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter and warm milk until smooth.
- Season with salt and keep warm.
Cook the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan and Dijon (if using), and then season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble the Dish
- Plate the mashed potatoes, top with shrimp, pour over sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme.
- Serve warm.
