Creamy Garlic Shrimp Potatoes

This creamy garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes combines tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. The sauce, made with Parmesan cheese and a hint of Dijon mustard, coats the shrimp and potatoes for an indulgent yet balanced meal. Fresh thyme adds just the right herbal touch, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

I first made this for a small family gathering and everyone praised the creamy sauce paired with the perfectly cooked shrimp. Now it’s a dish I return to whenever I want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: one pound large shrimp peeled and deveined makes the dish meaty and satisfying fresh shrimp from a reputable fishmonger works best
• Olive oil: two tablespoons for tossing shrimp helps in cooking and flavor
• Paprika: one teaspoon adds subtle smoky warmth look for sweet or smoked depending on your preference
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to taste essential for seasoning
• Butter: two tablespoons for the sauce enriches and creates silky texture use high quality unsalted butter
• Garlic: four cloves minced fresh garlic is key for fragrance and depth
• Heavy cream: one cup gives richness and thickness opt for fullfat for creamier sauce
• Parmesan cheese: half cup grated adds nutty sharpness freshly grated Parmesan melts better
• Dijon mustard: one teaspoon optional but adds a gentle tang balancing richness
• Fresh thyme: for garnish adds bright herbal note enhances presentation
• Potatoes: two pounds peeled and cubed for fluffy mash Russet or Yukon gold are ideal
• Warm milk: half cup softens the mash for creamy consistency
• Butter: one quarter cup adds richness to mashed potatoes
• Salt: to taste seasons the potatoes properly

Instructions

Sauté and cook the Shrimp:

Toss the peeled shrimp with olive oil paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. Heat a skillet over medium heat then place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly firm but still tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled cubed potatoes and boil for about fifteen minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well then return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk and mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and keep covered to stay warm.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In the same skillet used for the shrimp melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute just until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring this to a gentle simmer then add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If using Dijon mustard stir it in now. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning. Let simmer for three to five minutes on low.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top then ladle the creamy garlic sauce over everything generously. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

One winter evening I served this dish to friends and it quickly became their requested dinner, proving how simple ingredients with care can turn into a comforting favorite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess without separating. Avoid freezing the potatoes with sauce already mixed as texture may suffer but shrimp and sauce can be frozen separately if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh shrimp are unavailable frozen shrimp that are thawed and patted dry work fine. For a dairy-free alternative use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Yukon gold potatoes can swap for Russet for a slightly creamier mash though Russets are best for fluffiness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add nice texture contrast. A crusty bread is great for soaking up leftover sauce on the plate.

This creamy garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes is an easy weeknight showstopper that feels indulgent. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best here?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook evenly and deliver a tender, juicy bite that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

→ How do I keep the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy?

Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with warm milk and butter. Mixing while warm ensures a silky texture without lumps.

→ Can Parmesan cheese be substituted in the sauce?

Grated Parmesan adds depth, but mild hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano offer a sharper alternative while maintaining savory richness.

→ What role does Dijon mustard play in the sauce?

Dijon mustard adds subtle acidity and complexity, balancing the richness of cream and cheese for a more layered flavor.

→ How long should shrimp be cooked for best texture?

Sear shrimp about 2-3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque, to avoid toughness and preserve tenderness.

→ Which herbs complement this dish well?

Fresh thyme garnish lends a bright, earthy aroma that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy garlic elements.