Creamy Garlic Shrimp Potatoes

This creamy garlic shrimp with mashed potatoes brings together tender shrimp coated in smoky paprika and garlic flavors then simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan and a hint of Dijon mustard. The sauce generously coats fluffy mashed potatoes made creamy with butter and warm milk. Fresh thyme adds a fragrant finish making this both a comforting and elegant meal that feels special yet comes together in about 30 minutes. It is perfect for a cozy night when you want something impressive without a fuss.

I first made this for a small family gathering and everyone praised the creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp. Now it is a go to when I want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: one pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp makes the dish meaty and satisfying. Fresh shrimp from a reputable fishmonger works best
• Olive oil: two tablespoons to toss the shrimp helps in even cooking and flavor development
• Paprika: one teaspoon adds a subtle smoky warmth. Choose sweet or smoked depending on your preference
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon boosts garlic flavor without overpowering
• Salt and pepper: to taste, essential for proper seasoning
• Butter: two tablespoons for the sauce enriches and provides a silky texture. Use high quality unsalted butter for best results
• Garlic: four cloves minced fresh garlic is key for fragrant depth
• Heavy cream: one cup gives richness and thickness. Full fat is recommended for creamier sauce
• Parmesan cheese: half cup grated adds nutty sharpness. Freshly grated melts smoothly
• Dijon mustard: one teaspoon optional but adds gentle tang balancing richness
• Fresh thyme: for garnish adding a bright herbal note and enhancing 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 the mashed potatoes
• Salt: to taste seasons the potatoes properly

Instructions

Sauté and cook the Shrimp:

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

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add peeled cubed potatoes and boil for about fifteen minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain well then return potatoes to 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 shrimp melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and add grated Parmesan cheese stirring until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Dijon mustard if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning. Let simmer on low for three to five minutes.

Assemble and Serve:

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

The fresh thyme garnish is my favorite final touch it cuts through the creaminess with a subtle hint of brightness. One winter evening I served this dish to friends and it quickly became their requested dinner proving how simple ingredients prepared with care become a comforting favorite.

Storage Tips

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

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh shrimp is unavailable frozen shrimp thawed and patted dry work well. For dairy free use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Yukon gold potatoes can replace Russets for creamier mash though Russets yield fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions

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

Serve immediately and enjoy the warm comforting combination of creamy garlic sauce and tender shrimp over fluffy mashed potatoes. It is an impressive yet simple meal for weeknights.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of shrimp works best here?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for a tender texture and even cooking, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce.

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

Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with warm milk and butter. Mashing warm helps achieve a silky, lump-free texture.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese in the sauce?

Mild hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative, adding a slightly sharper taste while maintaining savory depth.

→ What is the role of Dijon mustard in the sauce?

Dijon mustard introduces subtle acidity and complexity, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese, and is optional for added depth.

→ How long should I cook the shrimp for best results?

Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque to maintain a juicy, tender texture without toughness.

→ What herbs complement this dish best?

Fresh thyme is used as a garnish, offering an earthy aroma that enhances the creamy garlic flavors effectively.