This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a showstopper comfort food classic that will instantly upgrade your weeknight dinner table or impress your next dinner guests. Succulent shrimp seared to perfection, then draped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, are piled high over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes. For the Shrimp fans, this recipe is pure bliss—a dreamy mashup of indulgent sauce, velvety spuds, and seafood that feels both elegant and cozy in every bite.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this dish is refreshingly simple, yet every single item fills an important role in crafting layers of flavor and beautiful texture. From the perfectly seasoned For the Shrimp to the creamy sauce and pillowy mashed potatoes, each element works together to create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The main event for the Shrimp—use the biggest and freshest you can find for juicy, tender bites.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures the Shrimp gets a golden sear and gentle flavor.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and color boost to the Shrimp.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a background savory note that complements both the shrimp and sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer, especially for the Shrimp’s deep flavor.
Butter (2 tablespoons): The backbone of the creamy garlic sauce, adding richness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the sauce, delivering robust flavor and aroma.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Transforms the sauce into something truly decadent and silky.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Infuses umami and helps thicken the sauce for the Shrimp.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon, optional): For a little tang (try it at least once—you might get hooked!).
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and sharpens the sauce’s flavor.
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): A final touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Potatoes (2 lbs, peeled and cubed): The hearty foundation for the Shrimp to shine—russets or Yukon golds are perfect here.
Warm milk (½ cup): Blends seamlessly into the mashed potatoes for a fluffy finish.
Butter (¼ cup): Melts into the potatoes for classic richness and that irresistible flavor.
Salt, to taste: Brings the mashed potatoes to life—always taste as you go.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Start by getting the potatoes underway, since they take the longest. Boil your peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, usually about 15 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain them well and return them to the pot—you want as little moisture as possible for creamy potatoes. Add in your butter and the warm milk, then mash everything together using a masher or hand mixer until perfectly smooth and fluffy. Season with salt to your liking, then cover the pot with a lid or some foil to keep the mash warm while you finish the Shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

This is where the Shrimp claims the spotlight. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper in a bowl so every piece is well-coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side—just until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Don’t overcook or overcrowd, as you want a beautiful golden exterior and tender interior. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside—you’ll need this same pan for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, melt your butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and builds the sauce base for the Shrimp. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese (and Dijon mustard, if using). Season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce bubble for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. For a flavor twist, try adding a splash of white wine or sprinkle in some red chili flakes—both will take the sauce to another dimension.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

It’s time for the grand finale! Scoop a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto each plate—the starch will soak up that dreamy sauce. Top with a heap of shrimp, and pour the creamy garlic sauce liberally over everything. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for both color and a pleasant herbal snap. nothing beats the taste of all these layers together, so serve immediately while it’s piping hot and irresistibly creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A beautiful plate truly starts with the little extras. fresh thyme leaves add a bright, fragrant finish, but don’t be afraid to get creative. A dusting of smoked paprika, some finely chopped chives, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest can add color, aroma, and a fresh pop that’ll make each serving feel restaurant-worthy. If you want to impress, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few flakes of sea salt do wonders too.

Side Dishes

This dish is already quite filling, but if you’re serving the Shrimp for a special dinner, consider adding a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—its refreshing lift balances the richness perfectly. Steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted broccoli are fantastic sides too; their bright flavors and vibrant colors will round out the meal with elegance.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the joy! Try Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes served as individual ramekins for a dinner party, with the mashed potatoes piped in a swirl and the shrimp artfully arranged on top. For a family-style approach, pile everything on a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can even spoon the shrimp and sauce over mini potato cakes for a fun appetizer or brunch treat—guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—even with a dish as tempting as the Shrimp, it does happen—they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the mashed potatoes separately if possible, to prevent them from soaking up too much sauce and losing their outstanding texture.

Freezing

While the Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp and mashed potatoes for up to a month. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and keep the sauce separate. The security of a surprise shrimp dinner in your freezer is pretty unbeatable! Just remember that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, so stir well when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the mashed potatoes and shrimp covered in the microwave, or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the potatoes and prevent them from drying out. For the sauce, reheat over low heat while whisking until smooth and warmed through, then combine everything just before serving for the creamiest results.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken for the shrimp?

Absolutely! If you’re not in a shrimp mood, diced chicken breast or tenders work beautifully with the same method and sauce—just adjust the cook time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. The flavors play just as well together.

What kind of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

For the fluffiest mash, go with russet or Yukon gold potatoes—they have the ideal starch content for airy, creamy mashed potatoes that hold up beautifully to the Shrimp and sauce.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Watch for the classic cues: the Shrimp, perfectly cooked means pink, opaque, and slightly curled into a C-shape. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so pull them off the heat as soon as they hit this stage (usually just a couple of minutes per side).

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day in advance—just reheat gently over low heat, whisking in a touch more cream or milk if needed. always cook fresh for the juiciest results.

Is the Dijon mustard necessary?

Nope, it’s totally optional! Dijon adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, but For the Shrimp is swoon-worthy with or without it. Try it once to discover your favorite version.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is pure comfort, inviting you to slow down and savor every silky, savory bite. the Shrimp fans and mashed potato lovers alike, it’s the sort of dish that turns dinner into an event. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it any chance you get!