Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with a little butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 5: Spoon the creamy garlic shrimp over the prepared mashed potatoes and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Try adding fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes because they break down easily and yield a smooth texture.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with cream, served atop smooth and buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner, this dish combines the robust flavors of garlic and buttery shrimp with the creamy texture of classic mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start by placing the peeled and quartered potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add the butter and warm milk. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Cook the Garlic Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Add the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate and top with the creamy garlic shrimp mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker cooking and ease of eating.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra fluffy, use a ricer instead of a masher.
- Fresh parsley makes a great garnish to add color and a hint of freshness.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Keywords: Creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, dinner shrimp, creamy shrimp sauce, comfort food, stovetop shrimp
