Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: 1 Pot

August 6, 2025

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes has become my ultimate comfort food, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I first discovered how amazing this dish could be on a chilly evening when I was craving something rich and satisfying. The aroma of garlic and butter simmering in the pan was pure magic, and the tender shrimp coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes was simply divine. Making this creamy garlic shrimp recipe is surprisingly simple, and it’s the perfect way to elevate a weeknight meal. You’ll love how this easy creamy garlic shrimp comes together. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes is pure bliss.
Quick Prep: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal on the table fast.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters adore this comforting and familiar flavor profile.
Budget-Friendly: Using everyday ingredients makes this a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the high cost.
Versatile: While amazing over potatoes, you can also enjoy this garlic shrimp pasta creamy style if you prefer.
Impressive but Easy: It looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for guests, but it’s a simple garlic shrimp pasta creamy dish to master.
Satisfying & Comforting: It’s the ultimate comfort food to warm you up on any night.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Gather these items for a truly delightful meal. You’ll need about 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, ready for their creamy transformation. For the mashed potatoes, grab 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed, along with ½ cup warm milk and ¼ cup butter for ultimate creaminess, plus salt to taste. The star of the show is the sauce, which starts with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon paprika and 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning the shrimp. Then, you’ll need 2 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced for that essential garlic flavor, and 1 cup heavy cream to create that luscious base for the shrimp in creamy garlic sauce. Don’t forget ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) to enrich the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Let’s walk through creating this incredible dish step-by-step. Learning how to make creamy garlic shrimp is easier than you think!

Step 1: Prepare Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed, in generously salted water over medium-high heat. Cook them until they are completely fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, carefully drain all the water and return the potatoes to the warm pot. Add ¼ cup butter and ½ cup warm milk. Mash them until they are perfectly smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and cover the pot to keep them warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare your shrimp. Toss 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: 1 Pot - Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over - additional detail

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the shrimp (no need to clean it!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season this luscious sauce with salt and pepper as needed. This is the heart of how to make creamy garlic shrimp.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the warm mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top the creamy potatoes with the perfectly cooked shrimp. Finally, ladle the rich, velvety garlic cream sauce over the shrimp and potatoes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful finish and a burst of freshness. Enjoy this delicious meal that shows you exactly how to make creamy garlic shrimp!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your dish with these insider tips for the most delicious result:

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left on the heat too long.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor – minced garlic provides a more potent aroma than garlic powder in the sauce.
Ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature or slightly warmed before adding it to the hot skillet to prevent curdling.
Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the sauce-making process; Parmesan can be salty, so add salt gradually.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic shrimp?

The secret is treating the shrimp right and building a balanced sauce. Don’t overcook the shrimp, and let the sauce simmer gently to thicken. This makes for a truly simple creamy garlic shrimp dinner.

Can I make creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes and cook the shrimp a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the potatoes gently and quickly sauté the shrimp just before assembling with the fresh sauce.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy garlic shrimp?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp by cooking them quickly in batches. Don’t boil the cream sauce vigorously; a gentle simmer is key to a smooth texture. Also, ensure your garlic is sautéed until fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: 1 Pot - Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

This decadent dish is so versatile! While it shines on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a few complementary sides. For a different carb base, try serving this delicious creamy garlic shrimp with rice. The fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich garlic shrimp with creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a side of steamed or sautéed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli adds a lovely freshness and color. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonderfully to balance the richness of the main dish.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

This indulgent dish offers a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Calories: 520 kcal
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Leftovers of this fantastic creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes are a treat! Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for planned leftovers or a quick meal prep. For longer storage, the components can be frozen separately. Store the mashed potatoes and the shrimp/sauce mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp for dinner again, thaw the components in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the mashed potatoes gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk if needed. Then, warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

What is creamy garlic shrimp?

Creamy garlic shrimp is a dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s often served over a carbohydrate like pasta, rice, or in this case, mashed potatoes, making it a comforting and flavorful main course. It’s truly a delightful experience for your taste buds.

What’s the best creamy garlic shrimp dish?

While I’m partial to this mashed potato version, the best creamy garlic shrimp dish is really a matter of personal preference! Some people adore it over linguine for a classic pasta experience, while others enjoy it with rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The key is the succulent shrimp and the perfectly balanced, luscious garlic cream sauce.

Can I make creamy garlic shrimp with different vegetables?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on the shrimp and potatoes, you can easily add in your favorite vegetables. Sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or grilled asparagus are fantastic additions that complement the richness of the creamy garlic sauce wonderfully. They add color and extra nutrients to your meal.

How do I make the garlic flavor less overpowering?

If you’re sensitive to strong garlic flavors, you can reduce the amount of fresh garlic used in the sauce. Alternatively, you can sauté the garlic gently over low heat until it’s fragrant but not browned, which mellows its intensity. Another trick is to use roasted garlic, which has a sweeter, milder flavor profile. For more cooking tips, check out these recipes.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes You Can Try

This dish is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Low-Carb Version: Skip the mashed potatoes and serve this luscious shrimp and creamy garlic sauce over a bed of cauliflower mash or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauté or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a delightful spicy twist. This is a great way to make a creamy shrimp garlic recipe easy and exciting.
Lemon Zest Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest into the finished sauce for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Herb Variations: While thyme is lovely, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to complement the shrimp and garlic flavors. For more inspiration, explore these Indian Butter Chicken or Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry recipes.