Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over: 15-Min Dinner

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over mashed potatoes is a dish that instantly elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. I remember the first time I tried making shrimp in creamy garlic sauce for a weeknight dinner, and my family was absolutely blown away. The aroma of garlic and butter simmering filled my kitchen, and the sight of plump shrimp bathed in that velvety, rich sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes was pure comfort. It’s become my go-to for a special yet easy creamy garlic shrimp for dinner. 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 succulent shrimp, rich garlic sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food bliss.
• Quick Prep Time: With only about 15 minutes of prep, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters adore this creamy, savory dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family meal.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for a luxurious meal. This recipe is surprisingly affordable.
• Versatile: Think of this as a fantastic base. It’s a great starting point for a delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe.
• One-Pan Magic (Almost!): While the potatoes cook separately, the shrimp and sauce come together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
• Impressive Presentation: It looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for impressing guests or celebrating a special occasion. It’s truly a fantastic garlic butter shrimp recipe.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Ingredients

Gathering these simple creamy garlic shrimp ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing dish. You’ll need:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – this ensures every bite is tender and delicious
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed – Yukon Golds or Russets work best for creamy mash
• 1 cup heavy cream – the secret to that luscious, velvety sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy, the more garlic, the better!
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided – essential for sautéing and enriching the mash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the butter from burning and adds a nice base
• 1 teaspoon paprika – for a hint of color and subtle warmth
• Salt and pepper, to taste – always season as you go
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of freshness and color
• 1 cup chicken broth – thins the sauce and adds savory depth
• Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (optional) – for an extra layer of cheesy goodness

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, and learning how to make creamy garlic shrimp is easier than you think. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.

1. Step 1: Start by placing your peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them generously with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the potatoes are boiling, grab a large skillet. Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. The butter should melt and start to sizzle gently.
3. Step 3: Add the 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, or it can turn bitter.
4. Step 4: Now, add the 1 pound large shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle them with the 1 teaspoon paprika, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and opaque, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Step 5: Pour in the 1 cup chicken broth and the 1 cup heavy cream. Stir everything together gently to combine. Let this glorious mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. This makes for an easy creamy garlic shrimp!
6. Step 6: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, a good pinch of salt and pepper, and mash them until they are perfectly smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Spoon a generous portion of the fluffy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the succulent creamy garlic shrimp mixture.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you’re using it. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Want to elevate your creamy garlic shrimp game? Try these expert tips for a truly unforgettable dish:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast! Add them to the hot sauce and cook just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• Build Flavor Layers: Sautéing the garlic until fragrant before adding liquids is key. Deglazing with chicken broth after the shrimp adds depth that a simple cream sauce alone can’t match.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
• Fresh is Best: While frozen shrimp work, fresh shrimp generally have a better texture and flavor for this dish.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic shrimp?

The secret to achieving that restaurant style creamy garlic shrimp is a combination of not overcooking the shrimp and building layers of flavor. Sautéing fresh garlic in butter and olive oil, deglazing with broth, and then finishing with heavy cream creates a rich, balanced sauce. For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of recipes.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and sauce just before serving to ensure the shrimp are perfectly tender and the sauce is fresh and creamy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?

The most common mistake is overcooking the shrimp – watch them closely! Another pitfall is not sautéing the garlic enough, which results in a less flavorful sauce. Always season your mashed potatoes and the shrimp mixture well. If you’re looking for other quick dinner ideas, consider our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over

This decadent dish is perfect on its own, but I love exploring what to serve with creamy garlic shrimp to make it a complete meal. While the creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes is a star, consider adding a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Another fantastic pairing is crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that glorious garlic sauce. For a heartier meal, a side of steamed asparagus or green beans adds a lovely fresh element. You might also enjoy our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo for a different take on a creamy dish.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over

This rich and satisfying dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional profile per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate initiative.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over

Even though this dish is best served fresh, you might have leftovers, or maybe you’re planning ahead for a quick creamy garlic shrimp dinner. If you have any of this delicious creamy garlic shrimp for dinner remaining, here’s how to store and reheat it properly. First, let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftover creamy garlic shrimp and mashed potatoes into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce mixture separately from the mashed potatoes. Pack them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they should last for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the mashed potatoes on the stovetop or in the microwave. For the shrimp and sauce, a low heat on the stovetop is best to prevent overcooking. You can add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick after chilling. If you’re interested in other quick meals, check out our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir Fry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Shrimp

What makes this creamy garlic shrimp recipe so good?

The magic is in the balance! We use a rich blend of garlic, butter, and heavy cream for a decadent sauce that coats tender shrimp beautifully. Served over fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s pure comfort food. This shrimp in creamy garlic sauce is incredibly satisfying. For more delicious chicken dishes, see our Persian Chicken Recipe.

Can I make the creamy garlic shrimp sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic and butter base, and even sauté the garlic, a few hours in advance. However, the shrimp should definitely be cooked just before serving to prevent them from becoming tough. The sauce itself can be made ahead and gently reheated, but add the shrimp at the last minute.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? What can I substitute?

If you don’t have heavy cream for your creamy garlic shrimp recipe, half-and-half is a decent substitute, though the sauce might be a little thinner. You could also try evaporated milk, but be aware it can sometimes curdle if boiled too rapidly. For a lighter option, you could experiment with milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry, but it won’t be quite as rich.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a kick to your shrimp in creamy garlic sauce, you can easily incorporate some red pepper flakes along with the garlic and paprika. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon and add more to your taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper would also work well!

Variations of Creamy Garlic Shrimp You Can Try

While this recipe is amazing as is, I love experimenting! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes, here are a few variations you might enjoy. For a heartier meal, consider turning this into a fantastic garlic butter shrimp pasta by tossing it with your favorite cooked pasta. If you prefer a lighter, brighter flavor profile, try a version that leans towards a shrimp scampi with creamy sauce, perhaps adding a squeeze of lemon juice and some white wine to the sauce. You could also swap the mashed potatoes for creamy polenta or even serve it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option! For another pasta-based dish, consider our Chicken Meatballs Lemon Orzo.

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