Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender, flavorful shrimp with a rich garlic sauce served atop smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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 (for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter (for mashed potatoes)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain them well, return to the pot, and mash together with the ¼ cup butter and warm milk until smooth. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- Step 2: Toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: To serve, plate the mashed potatoes first, arrange the cooked shrimp on top, and pour the creamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes with a buttery flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of thyme for garnish if desired.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mashed potatoes to restore creaminess. Reheat the shrimp and sauce over low heat to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to achieve the best texture.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare mashed potatoes up to a day in advance and reheat them gently, stirring in a bit of warm milk or butter to refresh their texture.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe features succulent seared shrimp coated in a rich and flavorful garlic cream sauce, served atop smooth and buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 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)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season thoroughly. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate a generous serving of mashed potatoes, top with the cooked shrimp, and pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use warm milk for the mashed potatoes to help them stay creamy and smooth.
- Dijon mustard in the sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy depth of flavor.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal garnish, but you can substitute with parsley or omit entirely.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Shrimp cook quickly; avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, shrimp recipe, garlic cream sauce, easy dinner, stovetop shrimp

