Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

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Let’s be honest—some days call for stretchy pants, a glass of wine, and a plate of something unapologetically comforting. That’s where Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes swoops in like your best friend with takeout and a cheesy rom-com.

Creamy, garlicky, buttery shrimp nestled over a cloud of fluffy mashed potatoes? Yes, please. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a girls’ night, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish checks every box: fast, flavorful, and fancy enough to feel like a little celebration.

Ready to turn your kitchen into a cozy bistro in under 30 minutes?

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

This dish is the perfect balance of richness and simplicity. The shrimp is juicy and spiced just right, the mashed potatoes are as creamy as a good daydream, and that garlic cream sauce? It’s basically a love letter to your taste buds.

If you’re juggling work, kids, and the mysterious vanishing of socks in the laundry (seriously, where do they go?), this recipe brings big flavor without a side of stress.

Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder for the shrimp and sauce—less mess, more magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but a game-changer)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup butter
Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by giving those potatoes a hot bath. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender (a fancy way of saying “pokeable with a fork”).

Drain them, return them to the pot, and mash with butter and warm milk. The warm milk helps prevent that dreaded gluey texture no one asked for. Season with salt to your liking and cover the pot to keep them warm and fluffy while the shrimp gets its moment.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the butter. This is not the time for restraint.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn that gorgeous pink color. Don’t overcook—shrimp are quick and dramatic. Remove and set them aside.

Kitchen Tip: Avoid crowding the skillet like it’s a Black Friday sale. Cook in batches for that perfect sear.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (because we love less cleanup), melt the butter and sauté the garlic until your kitchen smells like heaven—about 1 minute.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a soft simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and Dijon mustard (if using), then season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a grown-up twist.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Grab a plate (or a shallow bowl if you’re feeling extra fancy). Spoon on a generous heap of mashed potatoes, top with shrimp, then drizzle that creamy garlic sauce all over. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves—because we’re classy like that.

Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately, while everything is steamy, creamy, and impossible to resist.

Cooking Tips to Make It Even Better

Use fresh garlic. Garlic powder in the shrimp is fine, but the sauce deserves the real deal.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. The difference between perfect and rubbery is about 30 seconds.
Warm your milk. Cold milk can shock the potatoes and make them sticky—not cute.
Make it your own. Swap in cauliflower mash if you’re feeling low-carb, or add sautéed spinach for some greens.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a favorite in my home, especially on chilly nights when we all need a little warmth from the inside out. I still remember making this for a last-minute dinner party—everyone thought I had spent hours in the kitchen (little did they know it was all done in 30 minutes flat).

It’s become one of those “request recipes” in our house, and I hope it becomes that for you too.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes topped with rich herb-infused sauce and juicy shrimp in a white serving bowl. — This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a flavor-packed comfort food dream—perfect for quick dinners or indulgent weekends!

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut cream—it pairs surprisingly well with garlic and shrimp.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Let’s Wrap This Up with a Smile

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is comfort food with a touch of elegance. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for date night—basically, your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

If you try this recipe (and I hope you do!), snap a pic and tag me @ChickenMagicRecipes. I’d love to see your version and hear how it turned out. Here’s to warm meals, full bellies, and the little moments that make dinnertime magical.

More Creamy, Comforting Recipes You’ll Love

If Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes made your taste buds sing, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting, flavor-packed dishes. They make excellent companions for your next cozy dinner night—and yes, they’re just as easy and satisfying!

Craving more creamy goodness? You’ll love this comforting twist on a Cajun classic: try the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta. It brings bold garlic flavor and cheesy indulgence to every bite.
If mashed potatoes stole your heart, then you have to make these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—they’re the perfect sidekick for any protein-packed main dish.
For a surf-and-turf spin with a Southern flair, the Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta is a must-try. It’s rich, spicy, and exactly what you need when dinner needs to feel a little fancy.
Want something that’s still hearty but lower in carbs? Whip up this irresistible Low Carb Chicken Casserole. It’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights when you’re watching your carbs but not your cravings.

These recipes not only bring comfort to your plate but also keep your weekly menu exciting and stress-free. Let the creamy, garlicky goodness continue!