Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: A Cozy Delight
As the seasons shift and cooler nights settle in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, creamy meal to lift the spirit. Picture this: the rich aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the golden scent of buttery mashed potatoes. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug, transporting you to dreamy evenings spent with loved ones around the dinner table. It evokes nostalgic memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations—a perfect easy weeknight dinner to savor.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for stressful weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the tender shrimp and creamy potatoes, and so do adults!
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: A perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Versatile: Great for a cozy dinner at home or impressive enough for entertaining guests.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with just one skillet and a pot!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Begin by boiling the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain them and return to the pot. Mash with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside, letting the warmth comfort you.
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In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, stirring gently to avoid burning. Take a moment to inhale the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.
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Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a lovely pink color.
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Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine while the dreamy, creamy sauce envelops the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste—add a pinch of love as you blend the flavors! Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a luxurious coating for the shrimp.
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To serve, layer the creamy garlic shrimp generously over the fluffy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Variations & Creative Twists
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Spin: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a slight heat that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor that still delivers the creamy texture.
- Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes right after adding the cream for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
My Best Kitchen Secrets
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
- Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen for a more flavorful experience. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Slicing Garlic: For the perfect minced garlic, try pressing it with the flat side of a knife before chopping; it releases more flavor!
- Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive that creamy goodness!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Reader FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, the mashed potatoes can be prepared a day in advance. Just reheat before serving!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or a combination of your favorite vegetables.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- How long does it last? Ideally, enjoy this meal within a couple of days for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of warmth, flavor, and togetherness. It’s a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring into our lives. The creamy sauce wraps around the tender shrimp and fluffy potatoes, creating a cozy treat that’s perfect for any evening.
Save this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready to warm your heart and home when you need a cozy delight!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined fresh is preferable
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
- to taste Salt and pepper
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Mashed Potatoes
- Begin by boiling the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once tender, drain them and return to the pot.
- Mash with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cooking the Garlic Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving
- Layer the creamy garlic shrimp over the mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
