There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a soul-satisfying dinner, and this Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly that. Imagine tender, garlicky shrimp swimming in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, all perched atop the fluffiest, buttery mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted. This dish is a beautiful balance of bold flavors and comforting textures that will make any weeknight feel special and any company dinner feel like a celebration. It’s straightforward, yet impressive enough to become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe simple with just a handful of essential ingredients makes every element shine. Each one plays an important role in building the rich layers of flavor, delightful texture, and inviting colors that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound big shrimp, deveined and peeled: The star protein that soaks up the garlicky, creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra punch of garlicky goodness that deepens the shrimp’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the shrimp seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for a quick sauté that keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic but crucial for balancing all the flavors.
- 4 minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that aromatic kick you want in creamy shrimp dishes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety base of the parmesan sauce.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle herbal note and brightens the plate’s look.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that silky richness in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Offers a slight tang that elevates the sauce complexity.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: The unmistakable cheesy depth that makes the sauce divine.
- About 1/4 cup butter (for potatoes): Gives the mashed potatoes a luscious, creamy mouthfeel.
- 2 pounds peeled, cubed potatoes: The cozy base that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- About 1/2 cup warm milk: Helps achieve ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- A pinch of salt (or more) for the potatoes: Enhances every fluffy bite.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes so they cook evenly and quickly. Boil them until a fork easily slides in — this usually takes around 15 minutes. Once tender, drain the water and mash them thoroughly with butter and warm milk until you get that irresistibly smooth and creamy texture. Don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt to bring out all those buttery, comforting flavors. Cover the potatoes to keep them warm as you move on to the shrimp.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
While your potatoes are cooking, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning amps up the shrimp with bold yet balanced flavors. Heat a skillet and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side — just enough time for them to turn a gorgeous pink without becoming rubbery. Set the shrimp aside carefully because we’re about to make the star sauce!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan you cooked the shrimp, melt some butter and add the minced garlic, letting it gently cook for about a minute until aromatic but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it steadily as it begins to simmer. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into that luxurious creamy base. If you’re feeling adventurous, whisk in the Dijon mustard for a slight tang that lifts the sauce to another level. Give everything a gentle bubble for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken it beautifully before seasoning to taste. This sauce is where all the magic happens.
Step 4: Assemble Your Dish
Now for the fun part: pile the golden creamy mashed potatoes on your plates, artfully arrange the garlicky shrimp on top, and lavishly drizzle that sinful creamy Parmesan sauce all over. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a pretty, fresh burst that contrasts perfectly with the richness. Trust me, watching this come together is pure joy.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top not only brightens the dish visually with its lovely green flecks but also infuses a subtle herbal essence with every bite. A quick grind of black pepper right before serving further enhances the flavors and adds a touch of warmth, making each mouthful more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want some fresh contrast, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans bring vibrant color, lightness, and a welcome crunch that balances the rich sauce and mashed potatoes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or just to impress your family, try serving the shrimp and sauce in individual shallow bowls over a neat scoop of mashed potatoes so everyone gets a perfect balance of all components in one bite. Another idea is to garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch that makes the dish feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the shrimp separately from the mashed potatoes and sauce to keep textures as fresh as possible. Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This way, the shrimp won’t become rubbery and the mashed potatoes won’t dry out.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, the shrimp with creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh because cream-heavy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the mashed potatoes alone in portion-sized containers and fresh-cooking the shrimp and sauce when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet or microwave at low power to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Stir the sauce occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy. You can add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s texture and a pat of butter to freshen up the mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture that can interfere with getting a nice sear and flavor.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
Greek yogurt or half-and-half can be used as lighter alternatives, but they might change the sauce’s texture slightly. If using yogurt, add it off heat to avoid curdling and stir gently.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Just double-check your Parmesan and mustard labels to ensure they don’t contain any additives with gluten.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild, with warmth from paprika rather than heat. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp.
What type of potatoes work best for the mashed potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal for fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds also add a natural buttery flavor and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for a cozy weeknight but elegant enough to wow guests with minimal effort. The combination of garlicky shrimp, decadent parmesan cream sauce, and soft mashed potatoes is simply irresistible. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own—it’s sure to become a fast favorite that you’ll return to again and again!
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Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Potatoes recipe combines tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound big shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup rich heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme leaves for sprinkling on top
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds peeled, cubed potatoes
- About 1/4 cup butter
- About 1/2 cup warm milk
- A pinch of salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Chop the peeled potatoes into chunks and boil them until tender, about 15 minutes, or until a fork easily slides into them. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes together with about 1/4 cup of butter and warm milk until creamy. Add salt to taste and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the creamy garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the dish: Plate the creamy mashed potatoes first, top with the cooked shrimp, and drizzle the garlic Parmesan cream sauce over everything. Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant and colorful garnish.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- Adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes by adding more or less warm milk as needed.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice depth to the sauce.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma but can be substituted with parsley or omitted if unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning.
