Rich, buttery, and full of bold garlic flavor, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comfort food dream come true. Juicy shrimp are nestled in a velvety garlic cream sauce and served over pillowy mashed potatoes for a dish that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this one-pan wonder has your back. It’s fast enough for a busy night but indulgent enough to serve at your next dinner party.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For best results, go for large or jumbo shrimp—preferably peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work great, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid watering down the sauce. If you’re going for convenience, tail-off shrimp save time, but tail-on offers that extra touch of presentation.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes (1)

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, then mix in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Return Shrimp to Pan

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce and cook for another 1–2 minutes so everything is well-coated and warmed through.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon creamy shrimp generously over a bed of warm mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Serve this dish immediately while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is silky. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute. Omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid a watery sauce.

What potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Golds or Russets are ideal for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.

Is this dish spicy?

Only slightly, thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. Skip them if you prefer a mild flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the mashed potatoes and sauce separately ahead of time. Reheat and combine before serving.

Want More Shrimp Dinner Ideas?

If this garlic shrimp dish hits the spot, here are a few more comforting seafood recipes to explore:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Maybe you served it over cauliflower mash?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask questions, share tweaks—let’s cook better together.

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, elegant dinner made with juicy shrimp simmered in a garlicky cream sauce served over buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for weeknights or when entertaining, this dish is rich, indulgent, and incredibly simple to prepare.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, and sear 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.

2. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Lower heat to medium, stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

4. Return shrimp to skillet, tossing gently to coat. Cook another 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

5. Spoon over mashed potatoes and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.