If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes hits all the right notes. Juicy, paprika-seasoned shrimp are nestled on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, then draped in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with garlic and fresh thyme. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy—ready in under an hour.
Perfect for weeknight indulgence, date night, or impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
- Restaurant Quality at Home – Big flavor, minimal fuss.
- Adaptable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or adjust spice levels.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – No flour, just fresh, simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Cozy enough for a night in, impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & 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 & pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled & cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain, return to the pot, and mash with butter and warm milk until creamy.
- Season with salt, cover, and keep warm.
Pro Tip: Warming the milk keeps your potatoes fluffy instead of gluey.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt & pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates.
- Top with shrimp and drizzle with cream sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, asparagus, or peas.
- Different Protein – Try scallops, lobster, chicken, or crispy tofu.
- Lighter Option – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Wine Lovers – Deglaze with ¼ cup white wine before adding cream.
Storage & Reheating
- Store shrimp, potatoes, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Perfect Pairings
- Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Side: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Bread: Crusty bread or garlic knots
- Veggies: Roasted green beans or glazed carrots
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance dish—simple enough for a cozy night in, but impressive enough to wow your guests.