If you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, Creamed Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes is your answer. Rich, luxurious, and filled with comforting flavors, this dish combines tender prawns coated in a creamy garlic sauce with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for date night or a special celebration at home.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table, with surprisingly little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is for anyone who loves rich, garlicky flavors paired with velvety textures. It’s also perfect for those who want an impressive, hearty meal without the stress of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Creamy sauces, juicy shrimp, and buttery mashed potatoes come together harmoniously, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

Best of all, this meal is ready in under an hour, making it a realistic choice for busy schedules or spontaneous entertaining.

Ingredients Needed

For the Shrimp:

• 450g (about 1 lb) large prawns, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 250 ml (1 cup) whole cream

• 50g (about 1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 900g (about 2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

• 120 ml (1/2 cup) hot milk

• 60g (1/4 cup) butter

• Salt, to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot

• Colander

• Potato masher or ricer

• Large skillet

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot of salted water, boil the potato cubes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Mash and Mix: Drain the potatoes, then mash with the hot milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Prepare the Shrimp

3. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

5. Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Create the Cream Base: Pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Assemble the Dish

8. Plate the Mashed Potatoes: Place a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes onto each plate.

9. Top with Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp neatly on top of the potatoes.

10. Pour the Sauce: Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp and potatoes.

11. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.

• Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced jarred garlic.

• Warm the Milk: Using warm milk in the mashed potatoes ensures they stay hot and creamy.

• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of milk or cream.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Add Some Greens: Serve with sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a little heat.

• Swap the Protein: Substitute scallops or chunks of salmon for the shrimp if desired.

• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Mix shredded cheddar or extra Parmesan into the mashed potatoes for extra decadence.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Note: Seafood doesn’t reheat as well as other proteins, so try to enjoy this dish fresh if possible.

Food and Drink Pairings

Side Suggestions:

• Light green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted or steamed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli)

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will balance the richness of the dish.

• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a refreshing iced tea.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water.

What’s the best type of potato for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices. They mash easily and have a creamy texture.

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting or reheat gently with a bit of extra milk.

Is the mustard necessary?

No, it’s optional. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Creamed Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice elegance for ease. It’s creamy, savory, and downright delicious — perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a fancy homemade dinner.

If you loved this recipe, please share it with your family and friends! And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more restaurant-quality recipes you can easily make at home. Happy cooking!