Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes; 4 tablespoons butter; ½ cup warm milk or cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste

Craving something warm, rich, and wildly satisfying without breaking into a complex recipe? Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is a cozy dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is actually quite simple to make. It delivers buttery shrimp coated in a luscious garlic-herb cream sauce, all heaped over ultra-fluffy mashed potatoes. Think comfort food elegance in under an hour.

This dish is a weeknight favorite in my kitchen because it manages to feel indulgent without much fuss. The creamy sauce hugs each shrimp in a flavorful embrace, while the mashed potatoes act like a fluffy sponge soaking up all that savory goodness. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just feeding your cravings, this recipe hits every mark.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, make sure your kitchen is stocked with a few essential tools that will make this recipe seamless:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You’ll need this for searing the shrimp and building the creamy garlic sauce. A nonstick or stainless-steel skillet ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
Medium Saucepan: Perfect for boiling the potatoes until fork-tender.
Potato Masher or Ricer: Crucial for achieving smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes. A ricer offers the fluffiest texture, but a masher works just fine.
Whisk: Needed to incorporate cream and broth into a silky, emulsified sauce.
Mixing Bowls: For seasoning the shrimp and mashing the potatoes.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helps handle shrimp gently without tearing them.

Having the right tools keeps the cooking process efficient and ensures textures come out as they should—silky sauce, juicy shrimp, and creamy potatoes.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp brings a naturally sweet and briny flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the sauce and mashed potatoes. It also helps sear the shrimp.
Garlic (minced): The foundation of the sauce—it infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.
Heavy Cream: This is the base of the creamy sauce that wraps around each shrimp.
Chicken Broth: Balances the richness of the cream while adding savory depth.
Fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme): These lift the cream sauce with brightness and a hint of earthiness.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds contrast and heat to balance the creamy elements.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Ideal for mashing, they yield a buttery and fluffy texture.
Milk or Cream (for potatoes): Blends into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for both shrimp and potatoes.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash using a masher or ricer. Add butter, warm milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fluffy. Set aside, covered.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer on medium-low until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Add fresh herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the shrimp to the pan and let them simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon mashed potatoes into a shallow bowl or plate. Top with the creamy garlic shrimp and a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with extra herbs or red pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

When serving, go generous with the mashed potatoes—they’re the perfect canvas for catching every drop of that garlicky cream sauce. A wide, shallow bowl works best, giving the shrimp a stage to shine and the sauce room to pool deliciously. Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers store well. Transfer any extra shrimp and potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is fine too, but take care not to overcook the shrimp—they just need to be warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cooks very quickly. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns opaque and pink, and curls into a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking—they can go rubbery fast.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent them from searing properly.

What kind of potatoes work best for mashing?

Yukon Golds are ideal for a creamy, buttery mash. They strike the perfect balance between starchy and waxy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute with plant-based butter and full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat alternative. Just note the flavor will shift slightly.

What other herbs can I use?

Chives, dill, or basil would all work beautifully if you’re out of parsley or thyme.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes—you can prep the mashed potatoes ahead and reheat gently. The shrimp is best made fresh but can be stored for short-term meals.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes hit the spot, you might enjoy a few more rich, savory dinners from the LadyPlate kitchen.

The Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni leans into creamy pasta indulgence with smoky sausage and a velvety white sauce.

Or go for something bold like Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, layered with spicy sauce and cheesy goodness that packs a punch in every bite.

Need a cozy soup option? Try Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a velvety bowl that comes together quickly and satisfies on chilly nights.

You’ll also love Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a weeknight winner that blends ground beef with silky Alfredo-style sauce.

And don’t skip my Wendy’s Chili Recipe, a fan-favorite copycat that’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or game day bowls.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food board for next time. Just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you use a different herb? Add some lemon zest? Drop a comment below and share how it went!

For more recipes and daily dinner ideas, check out my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest.