This dish is the epitome of comfort—succulent shrimp smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce served over buttery mashed potatoes. The rich flavors and tender textures make it an indulgent meal for any occasion. The shrimp is delicately spiced with garlic and paired with creamy mashed potatoes, making each bite a heavenly combination of seafood and smooth, savory potatoes. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, the easy-to-make garlic sauce adds a flavor punch that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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1/2 cup butter
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Begin by cooking the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
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Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
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While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Stir in lemon juice and return the shrimp to the pan, coating them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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Serve the shrimp and garlic sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Combination of Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Shrimp over mashed potatoes is a dish that combines the best of both worlds—succulent shrimp, delicately cooked and bathed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, all served over a comforting bed of velvety mashed potatoes. This meal is a perfect example of indulgence that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a dinner party or want to treat yourself after a long day, this dish offers the ideal balance of sophistication and homely comfort.
Shrimp itself is a lean, high-protein seafood that is quick to cook, and when paired with mashed potatoes, you’re combining the best of both worlds: a hearty, filling base with a light, fresh seafood topping. The creamy garlic sauce is the star of this dish, providing richness and a fragrant depth of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The fact that it’s simple to prepare and can be served in under 40 minutes makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat.
Why This Recipe Is the Best for You
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how versatile and easy it is to prepare. Unlike other seafood dishes that may require hours of prep work or a long list of ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp cook quickly, and the mashed potatoes are made with a simple combination of ingredients that most people already have at home. The garlic sauce adds a touch of elegance, while still feeling accessible for anyone—even beginner cooks.
This recipe is not only flavorful, but it is also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. The mashed potatoes, on the other hand, provide a comforting source of carbohydrates, making this dish both filling and satisfying. The added benefit of parsley garnishing the dish brings in extra vitamins, adding a fresh touch that balances the richness of the garlic sauce.
Benefits of the Garlic Sauce
The garlic sauce used in this recipe does more than just bring flavor—it’s also incredibly beneficial. Garlic has been a staple in cooking for centuries, known for its medicinal properties in addition to its strong, unique flavor. This recipe benefits from garlic’s known ability to boost heart health, improve cholesterol levels, and even boost your immune system. The sauce, made with heavy cream and chicken broth, creates a luscious and creamy consistency that perfectly complements the shrimp, while still remaining light enough to not overpower the dish.
Additionally, the addition of fresh lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the garlic sauce, offering a bright, zesty contrast. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy. The combination of rich, buttery mashed potatoes and the light yet creamy garlic sauce with shrimp creates a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party, having a family gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is the ideal dish for a variety of occasions. Its comforting and indulgent nature makes it a hit at any dinner table, while its simplicity ensures that it won’t take up hours of your time in the kitchen.
For special occasions, you can dress it up with a side of fresh greens or roasted vegetables, adding a pop of color to your plate. The richness of the shrimp and mashed potatoes is perfectly balanced by a simple salad, making this dish not only a crowd-pleaser but also an easy way to create an impressive and well-rounded meal for any dinner party or gathering.
Customization for Dietary Preferences
One of the great aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on dietary preferences. If you follow a gluten-free diet, this recipe already meets your needs. You can also make it dairy-free by swapping out the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives, making this dish accessible to a wider range of dietary needs. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute some of the cream with low-fat alternatives without sacrificing the dish’s signature creamy texture.
The mashed potatoes themselves are customizable too—you can choose to make them as creamy or as chunky as you like, depending on your personal preference. Some variations even add roasted garlic or herbs into the potatoes themselves, adding extra flavor.
Easy and Quick to Make
Another great thing about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From prepping the potatoes to cooking the shrimp, everything comes together in about 40 minutes. This is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal after a busy day, without the stress of complicated recipes and long cooking times.
To save even more time, consider preparing the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheating them when ready to serve. The shrimp and garlic sauce come together quickly, so this dish is perfect for when you need to whip up something flavorful without much advanced planning.
A Comfort Food with a Touch of Elegance
At its core, this dish is comfort food. There’s something incredibly satisfying about mashed potatoes paired with shrimp, especially when you add a rich garlic sauce to the mix. The shrimp add an element of elegance, while the mashed potatoes provide warmth and comfort. Whether you are serving this dish on a weekday or for a special occasion, the combination of flavors and textures makes it an exceptional choice for any meal.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together fresh, tender shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce with the comfort of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and versatile, making it a great option for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a meal for the family, or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its quick preparation time and minimal ingredients, this dish offers a perfect balance of sophistication and comfort, making it the best choice for those who want a meal that satisfies both the body and the soul.