Meet the ultimate comfort dinner: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. This luxurious classic brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, a silken blanket of creamy garlic sauce, and the dreamiest mashed potatoes—all in one plate. For the Shrimp lovers, this dish delivers everything: bold flavors, velvety textures, and just the right touch of decadence, making it a favorite for cozy nights or impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated in this recipe, but every ingredient really sings. Each item brings its own wonderful note—flavor, texture, or that little pop of color that makes For the Shrimp truly irresistible.

Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp will absorb all the flavors, so use the largest and freshest you can find.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the shrimp sear beautifully, locking in juiciness and adding a subtle richness.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and an inviting blush of color to the shrimp.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a mellow all-over garlic flavor right into the shrimp.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening flavors throughout.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky foundation for the creamy garlic sauce.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star ingredient for depth and aromatic punch in the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luscious and rich—don’t swap for milk here.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Delivers a nutty, salty backbone to every creamy bite.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle, sophisticated tang if you love a little extra zip.
Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): If you want a fresh, herby aroma and a dash of green for the finish.
Potatoes (2 lbs, peeled and cubed): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes mash up creamy and light, perfect for the base.
Warm milk (½ cup): Blends seamlessly into the potatoes, ensuring they stay soft and fluffy.
Butter (¼ cup): Absolute must for that luscious mouthfeel in the mashed potatoes.
Salt (to taste): Because every layer of flavor in For the Shrimp deserves to be perfectly seasoned.

How to Make For the Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Get those potatoes going first, since they’re the soft, pillowy canvas for all things creamy and garlicky. Boil your peeled cubes in salted water for about 15 minutes, just until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain off the water, return the potatoes to the pot, then mash in the butter and warm milk (warming is a little chef’s trick for smooth, velvety results). Sprinkle on salt as you mash until the flavor is just right, then cover the pot to keep it all piping hot.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

For the Shrimp, toss those plump beauties in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper to wake up their flavor. Get your skillet good and hot over medium-high heat—the sizzle is your friend here! Lay the shrimp out in a single layer and give them just a couple of minutes per side. This quick cook keeps them juicy, with a lovely golden edge. Set them aside right away—overcooking is the only crime you can commit with shrimp!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Don’t even think about washing the skillet—every drop of flavor counts. Drop in the butter and swirl until melted, then add the minced garlic. Saute just long enough to fill your kitchen with that irresistible garlic aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan and optional Dijon, then season as you go. Let the sauce bubble away for a few more minutes—it should be creamy and just a bit thick, perfect for draping all over For the Shrimp.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Now for the best part: building your plate. Spoon a hearty scoop of mashed potatoes onto each plate, nestle a generous portion of shrimp right on top, then blanket it all with that dreamy garlic sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Serve up For the Shrimp immediately while everything is at its very creamiest and most comforting!

How to Serve For the Shrimp

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh thyme leaves or a dusting of extra grated Parmesan on top adds elegance and fresh aroma to For the Shrimp. If you love a little heat, a few red pepper flakes look striking and give each bite a spicy pop.

Side Dishes

This dish stands out all on its own, but buttery green beans, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a crisp seasonal salad can balance the richness wonderfully. A slice of good, crusty bread is absolutely perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the mashed potatoes into a ring or ramekin for a restaurant-style vibe, or serve For the Shrimp layered family-style in a beautiful shallow dish for guests to help themselves. Individual ramekins make each serving feel special, and swirling a little pesto or basil oil on the plate will make it pop for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store each component—shrimp, sauce, and mashed potatoes—in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the Shrimp, this keeps flavors fresher and textures just right for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes and shrimp can technically be frozen, the creamy garlic sauce won’t maintain its luscious texture after thawing. If you must freeze For the Shrimp, do so in portions, tightly wrapped, and expect a change in the sauciness upon reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, reheat the mashed potatoes and shrimp gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream. Warm the sauce separately, whisking to restore smoothness. Assemble again just before serving so For the Shrimp stays as close to freshly made as possible.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. For the Shrimp, you want them to sear and not steam, so removing excess moisture is key.

What’s the best potato variety for the mash?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my personal favorite, as they mash up creamy and buttery with no fuss. Russets work beautifully too, giving you that classic fluffy texture for serving with For the Shrimp.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in the sauce?

You can use half-and-half in a pinch, but the sauce will be noticeably thinner and slightly less rich. If you’re going for full indulgence with For the Shrimp, stick to heavy cream for the creamiest sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

If you’d like to lighten things up a bit, use light cream in the sauce, swap in olive oil for some of the butter, and try serving For the Shrimp with cauliflower mash instead of traditional potatoes.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers, or even a touch of cayenne in the shrimp seasoning. For the Shrimp fans who love heat, this tweak is a simple way to customize the final flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something both comforting and show-stopping, For the Shrimp is your next must-try. It’s creamy, garlicky, and gloriously satisfying—so gather your ingredients and get ready to dazzle yourself (and anyone else lucky enough to join you at the table)!