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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes 1

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


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  • Author: Jana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This luxurious comfort food masterpiece combines succulent, perfectly seasoned shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce served over cloud-like mashed potatoes. The dish offers an irresistible blend of textures -tender shrimp, silky sauce, and fluffy potatoes – while the aromatic garlic and herbs create layers of flavor that transform a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for busy families craving indulgent comfort food.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (2125 count), peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water by 1 inch.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
  4. Add butter and mash until completely incorporated.
  5. Gradually add warm milk, mashing to desired consistency.
  6. Fold in sour cream, salt, and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Return cooked shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat. Heat through for 1 minute.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.

To Serve:

  1. Spoon warm mashed potatoes into shallow bowls, creating a well in the center.
  2. Arrange shrimp over potatoes and generously spoon the garlic cream sauce over everything.
  3. Garnish with additional parsley and a light dusting of paprika.
  4. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well but will be slightly less creamy than Yukon Gold
  • Shrimp: Medium shrimp (31-40 count) can be substituted; adjust cooking time to 1-2 minutes per side
  • Wine: Chicken or vegetable broth makes an excellent alcohol-free substitute
  • Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, though sauce will be thinner
  • Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or aged white cheddar work as alternatives

Pro Tips:

  • Keep mashed potatoes warm in a 200°F oven while preparing shrimp
  • Don’t overcook shrimp – they should curl into a “C” shape when perfectly done
  • If cream sauce breaks, whisk in cold butter off the heat to re-emulsify
  • For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while cooking potatoes
  • Make-ahead tip: Mashed potatoes can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and kept warm

Variations:

  • Cajun Style: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to shrimp seasoning
  • Mediterranean: Include sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
  • Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the heavy cream
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1,240mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 285mg