Oh, you are going to LOVE this! There’s just something magical about a dish that feels so fancy and restaurant-worthy but comes together super fast on a weeknight. That’s exactly what my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes does. Seriously, it’s a hug in a bowl! I’ve been making comforting meals for ages, and this one is a definite go-to when I want something truly decadent without a fuss. You get tender, succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all spooned over a cloud of fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s pure bliss, and trust me, your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Seriously, once you try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, it’s going to become your new best friend for dinner. Here’s why:
- Super Quick: We’re talking restaurant-level deliciousness in about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Crazy Easy: No fancy techniques needed! If you can boil water and sauté, you can make this.
- Flavor Explosion: That garlic-infused creamy sauce? Oh my goodness. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely divine over tender shrimp.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with this decadent shrimp dish is basically a warm hug on a plate. You just can’t beat it
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s get our goodies together for this amazing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes! Trust me, the secret to this dish really is in using fresh ingredients – it just makes a world of difference, especially with the garlic and shrimp.
For the Dreamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 kg Potatoes: I like to use Yukon Golds or Russets for the creamiest mash. Make sure they’re peeled and quartered!
- 1/2 cup Milk: Warm it up a little – it makes the mashing process so much smoother.
- 4 tbsp Butter: Real butter, please! It’s crucial for that rich potato flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Or to your taste, of course.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
For the Star of the Show: Creamy Garlic Shrimp!
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Just a little to get things started.
- 1 lb Shrimp: Bigger is better here! Peeled and deveined, folks.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Oh yes. Minced super fine. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: This is what makes it so wonderfully decadent.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese: Grated. It adds that perfect salty, umami kick.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped. For a little pop of freshness and color.
- 1/4 tsp Salt: Taste as you go!
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper: Just a whisper more.
Essential Equipment for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Okay, so you’ve got all your yummy ingredients ready. Now, let’s talk tools! Having the right gear makes whipping up this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes so much easier and honestly, more fun. It really helps make sure everything turns out just perfect.
First up, you absolutely need a large skillet. This is where all the magic happens – searing those shrimp to perfection and building that luscious, creamy sauce. It needs to be big enough so you don’t crowd the pan. Then, for the potatoes, a good old-fashioned potato masher is your best friend for getting that fluffy texture without turning them into glue. Lastly, a simple saucepan is perfect for boiling your spuds. Having these basics on hand makes making this dish a total breeze!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! Making our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is easier than you think. Just follow along, and soon your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.
Preparing the Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those potatoes going. Toss your peeled and quartered potatoes into a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring it to a boil and let them cook until they’re fork-tender – usually about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain them really well. Now, back in the warm pot, mash them up! Pour in that warmed milk, drop in the butter, and season with salt and pepper. Make sure to check out how we make caramelized onion mashed potatoes for another amazing potato idea! Mash until they’re smooth and creamy, but don’t go crazy or they can get gummy for this recipe. Set these beauties aside.
Cooking the Perfect Garlic Shrimp
While the potatoes are doing their thing, grab your large skillet. Pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Get your shrimp into the hot skillet in a single layer – don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear! Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are opaque. Seriously, watch them closely! Overcooked shrimp are a tragedy. Once they’re done, scoop them out and set them aside for a sec.
Now, into that same skillet, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it! Think of this as a mini step towards something amazing, just like these garlic butter meatballs!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Okay, here comes the creamy magic! Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in that lovely grated Parmesan cheese, plus a little more salt and pepper to taste. Let it bubble away for a minute or two until the sauce thickens up just enough to coat the back of a spoon nicely. Now, slide that cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss everything together so every single shrimp is coated in that glorious sauce. Stir in your fresh chopped parsley right at the end for a burst of freshness.
Assembling Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Time for the grand finale! Ladle a generous scoop of those fluffy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Then, spoon that incredible creamy garlic shrimp mixture right over the top. Make sure you get plenty of that luscious sauce! A little extra sprinkle of parsley on top looks pretty too. Just dive in and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Now, let’s talk about making this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes absolutely, positively epic. From years of making this, I’ve picked up a couple of tricks that really make it shine. First off, don’t skimp on the garlic! Fresh is best, and mince it super fine so you get that flavor infused everywhere. For the potatoes, while Yukon Golds are my faves, you could totally use Russets too. Just make sure you mash them until they’re smooth, but stop before they get gluey – nobody wants gummy potatoes under this amazing shrimp!
If you’re looking for a slightly different potato vibe, check out my recipe for garlic herb roasted potatoes – always good to have options! And for the shrimp, a big tip from me is to NOT overcook them. They cook super fast, so keep an eye on them! Nobody likes rubbery shrimp. You want them just pink and opaque. Also, make sure your cream and Parmesan are good quality – it really does make a difference in that sauce!
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is absolutely best served right away, piping hot! The mashed potatoes are so fluffy and the shrimp are so tender when they’re fresh out of the pan. If you happen to have any leftovers, which I highly doubt, just pop them into an airtight container and into the fridge. They should be good for about 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, be gentle! You don’t want to overcook the shrimp. I like to give it a quick, gentle warm-up on the stovetop over low heat, or even in the microwave for short bursts, stirring in between. You might need to add a tiny splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This way, you get that yummy creaminess back without turning the shrimp tough.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Got questions about whipping up this fantastic Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things folks ask.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
You sure can! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. The best way is to pop them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can place them in a colander and run cool water over them until they’re thawed. Pat them really dry before cooking so they can sear up nicely!
What are some good side dishes to serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want something extra, a simple green salad is lovely! Try my beet salad with spinach or a crisp fall harvest salad. Steamed green beans or asparagus are also great choices that won’t be too heavy.
How can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Absolutely! For dairy-free mashed potatoes, swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Instead of butter, use their dairy-free counterparts, like vegan butter sticks. Coconut milk also works, but might add a subtle flavor, so use with that in mind!
Nutritional Estimate for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate, okay? Because everyone’s ingredients are a little different and portion sizes can vary, the exact numbers for calories and stuff can change. But generally, a serving of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is packed with protein from the shrimp, some good carbs from the potatoes, and a nice bit of healthy fat from that creamy sauce and butter. For more nutritional insights, you can always peek at our diet and nutrition section!
Share Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Masterpiece!
I honestly can’t wait for you to try my Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes! Once you make it, I’d be absolutely thrilled if you came back here to share your experience. Did you love it? Did you tweak anything? Drop a comment below and let me know! Snap a pic and tag us on social media if you’re feeling photo-fancy. Your feedback means the world!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the potatoes in a saucepan until tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- While potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the mashed potatoes.