There’s something magical about a plate of Creamy Garlic Shrimp—it’s cozy, classy, and surprisingly quick to whip up. Picture this: tender shrimp bathed in a rich garlic cream sauce, lounging on a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet elegant enough to make you feel like you’re dining at a seaside bistro.
Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to make it through another busy week, this shrimp dinner brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your table—with no reservation required. The best part? It comes together in under 45 minutes, which means more time to actually enjoy your evening (and maybe a glass of wine while you’re at it).
As someone who firmly believes that love can be ladled with a spoon, I promise this dish will warm both your heart and your kitchen. So grab your skillet and let’s make something irresistibly creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This dish is everything a good dinner should be—easy, comforting, and full of flavor. The garlic cream sauce wraps around each shrimp like a cozy blanket, while the mashed potatoes soak up every luscious drop. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry family, this meal delivers that perfect “comfort-meets-elegance” balance.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food — tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, served over buttery mashed potatoes. It’s elegant yet easy, bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 45 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights or special dinners alike.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup warm milk
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¼ cup butter
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, cover, and keep warm. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. -
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with shrimp, and drizzle generously with the garlic cream sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly once fully opaque.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor; it elevates the cream sauce beautifully.
Add extra Parmesan for richness or a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
Make it lighter with half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
The dish also works well served over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared and Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup warm milk
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¼ cup butter
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Salt, to taste
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender—about 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash with butter and warm milk until silky smooth. Add salt to taste, cover, and keep warm.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (because nobody needs more dishes!), melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth and thickened—about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Dish
Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with shrimp, and drizzle generously with that heavenly garlic cream sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, then take a moment to admire your masterpiece before digging in.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Dinner
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Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook fast—once they’re pink and curled, they’re ready. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery faster than you can say “dinner’s ruined.”
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Fresh garlic is key. Garlic powder is great for seasoning, but fresh garlic brings that unbeatable aroma.
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For extra decadence, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before serving.
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No Dijon mustard? No problem—it just adds a subtle tang but isn’t essential.
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Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce butter slightly if you’re watching calories (but let’s be honest, a little indulgence never hurt anyone).
A Little Story Behind This Dish
I first made this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes on a chilly Friday night after a long week of juggling blog deadlines and family dinners. My plan was simple—something quick and cozy. The result? My family practically licked their plates clean, and my husband asked if I’d secretly ordered takeout from a fancy restaurant.
Since then, this has become my go-to “comfort meal with flair.” It’s what I make when I need a little mood lift or when I want to treat guests to something special without the stress. Every bite reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place—it’s not just about the food, it’s about the memories created around it.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp
This dish is already indulgent on its own, but you can elevate it further with simple sides:
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Steamed asparagus or buttery green beans for a fresh contrast.
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A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch between bites.
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Garlic bread—because there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
If you’re feeling fancy, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce. For non-drinkers, sparkling lemonade works wonderfully too—it cuts through the richness while keeping things bright and refreshing.
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining shrimp and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Mashed potatoes can be kept separately in their own container for the same amount of time.
To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. For the mashed potatoes, a quick zap in the microwave with a dab of butter works wonders. Avoid reheating the shrimp for too long—they can get tough if overcooked.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I serve this with something other than mashed potatoes?
Definitely—try it over pasta, rice, or even roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb twist.
Can I make the garlic cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving and give it a whisk to bring back that smooth consistency.
Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?
Half-and-half or even coconut milk can work for a different spin on the flavor.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Final Taste of Comfort
There’s a reason Creamy Garlic Shrimp has earned its place among the ultimate comfort foods—it’s rich, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings warmth and a touch of luxury to any table.
So next time you crave something indulgent yet simple, let this creamy, garlicky goodness remind you that the best meals are the ones made with love (and plenty of butter).
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