Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes: Irresistible in 4 Steps

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed; ½ cup warm milk; ¼ cup butter; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe

When life feels like a whirlwind of errands, work emails, and kids asking what’s for dinner before you’ve even had breakfast, meals like Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes come to the rescue. This dish is cozy, indulgent, and—best of all—deceptively easy. It’s one of those recipes that looks like you’ve been channeling your inner Julia Child, when really, you just let butter, cream, and garlic do the heavy lifting.

If you’ve been craving something rich yet soul-soothing, keep reading—this shrimp and mashed potato combo is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed.

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

Restaurant-worthy, minus the takeout bill. Shrimp with a garlicky cream sauce sounds like something you’d order at a fancy spot, but you can whip it up at home in under 40 minutes.
Comfort food, elevated. Fluffy mashed potatoes meet juicy, seasoned shrimp. It’s like a warm hug with a gourmet flair.
Family-friendly. Even picky eaters tend to melt at the sight of buttery mashed potatoes smothered in creamy goodness.
Flexible. Swap in cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles if you’re watching carbs. (Though honestly, the potatoes are worth every bite.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup warm milk
¼ cup butter
Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, then cover to keep warm.

Pro Tip: Warm milk is key to fluffy, non-gluey potatoes. (Cold milk is the villain of the mash world.)

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Note: Avoid overcrowding the skillet—shrimp need their personal space to sear properly. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Optional add-ons: A splash of white wine or pinch of red chili flakes can take this sauce to the next level.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with shrimp, and pour creamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.

Serving suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for balance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook shrimp. They cook fast—blink, and they’re rubbery. Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Mash hack: A potato ricer makes potatoes extra fluffy, but a good old-fashioned masher works just fine.
Flavor booster: Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for a double punch of garlicky goodness.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes topped with rich garlic Parmesan sauce and fresh herbs in a white bowl. — Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes served with buttery sauce and herbs—your new favorite comfort food dinner!

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the mashed potatoes earlier in the day and reheat them with a splash of milk. Cook shrimp and sauce fresh for the best flavor.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Add a little extra Parmesan to help thicken it up.

How do I store leftovers?

Store shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

Chicken breast or salmon works beautifully with this sauce.

Bring Comfort Home Tonight

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is more than just dinner—it’s a plate of cozy, creamy comfort that looks fancy enough for company but feels like the ultimate weeknight win. Whether you’re making it for family, date night, or just to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe has a way of turning ordinary evenings into something special.

Trust me—once you’ve made it, you’ll start finding excuses to “need comfort food” more often.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cozy seafood dish, here are a few other comforting favorites you might want to try next:

Warm up with a bowl of New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque—a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
For another creamy pasta-inspired dinner, check out my Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo—a set-it-and-forget-it meal the whole family will devour.
If you’re craving something rich and cheesy, my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini is a weeknight favorite.
Want a seafood option with a lighter touch? Try the Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta for a quick, fresh, and flavor-packed meal.