Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any night of the week. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic sauce and served atop fluffy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain well, return to the pot, and mash with ¼ cup butter and ½ cup warm milk until smooth. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- Step 2: Toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: To serve, plate the mashed potatoes, top with the cooked shrimp, pour the creamy garlic sauce over everything, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use Greek yogurt instead of cream.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can give it a subtle smoky heat.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes with a buttery flavor.
- To save time, prepare mashed potatoes ahead and reheat gently while cooking shrimp and sauce.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.
How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
Use warm milk and melted butter when mashing and avoid over-mixing to keep them fluffy yet creamy. You can also add a splash of cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes recipe features succulent, paprika-seasoned shrimp seared to perfection and served atop a bed of smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. The dish is elevated with a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with Parmesan and Dijon mustard, garnished with fresh thyme for an aromatic finish. Perfect as a comforting and elegant dinner, this skillet-cooked meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain well, then return the potatoes to the pot. Mash them thoroughly with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and keep warm while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the warm mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with the cooked shrimp, then generously pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an herbal note and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make ahead, cook the mashed potatoes and shrimp separately, then reheat gently and prepare the sauce just before serving.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier mashed potatoes.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, substitute with dried thyme or parsley.
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, garlic sauce, skillet shrimp, easy dinner, seafood recipe

