Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that brings together the perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors and a touch of indulgence, then this Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe will quickly become a favorite. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp coated in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, paired with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes—a match made in culinary heaven that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet is weeknight-friendly, giving you the ultimate cozy dinner experience without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role, from the aromatic garlic to the silky cream and sharp Parmesan that elevate the shrimp, while the potatoes turn silky soft and creamy with just the right hint of butter.
- 1 pound big shrimp, deveined and peeled: Opt for large shrimp for a juicy, satisfying bite that won’t get lost in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic undertone that complements the fresh cloves nicely.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the shrimp a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the shrimp and locking in moisture.
- Salt and pepper: Necessary seasonings to adjust to your personal taste and bring out all the flavors.
- 4 minced garlic cloves: The star aromatic ingredient that adds fresh pungency and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that ultra-rich, silky texture that coats the shrimp so wonderfully.
- Fresh thyme leaves: For a fragrant, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the garlic gently.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): A tangy twist that perks up the sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- About 1/4 cup butter for potatoes: Essential for luscious, creamy mashed potatoes with that silky mouthfeel.
- 2 pounds peeled, cubed potatoes: The base for your creamy mash that perfectly balances the bold shrimp.
- About 1/2 cup warm milk: Helps achieve smooth, velvety mashed potatoes without cooling them down.
- A pinch of salt (or more): To season the potatoes just right and enhance their natural flavor.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly. Boil them in salted water until a fork slides in easily, usually around 15 minutes. This ensures the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Drain the water, then mash them immediately while hot, mixing in butter and warm milk until silky smooth. Don’t forget a sprinkle of salt to bring out the potato’s natural sweetness. Keep the mash warm and covered while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss your peeled shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This blend infuses them with layers of flavor before cooking. Heat a skillet on medium-high and sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they just begin to turn pink and golden around the edges. Be careful not to overcook; you want them tender and juicy. Once done, set the shrimp aside to rest, releasing their flavorful juices into the pan.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, drop in the butter and let it melt before adding the minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but not browned, to avoid bitterness. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Now add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce. For a flair of complexity, whisk in the optional Dijon mustard, which adds a subtle tang that brightens the rich cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the sauce bubble gently, thickening for about 3 to 5 minutes. This sauce is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into pure decadence.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Time to plate! Spoon a generous helping of the creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top them with the beautifully seared shrimp, then drizzle that luscious creamy Parmesan sauce all over both the shrimp and potatoes. Finally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top to add a vibrant, herbal note and a pop of color that makes this dish as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme is a classic that works beautifully here, but you can also add a handful of chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices to brighten each bite visually and in flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper before serving amps up both aroma and taste, making every bite feel lovingly prepared.
Side Dishes
This dish already feels complete, but if you want to add a side, consider something simple and green. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus adds freshness and a little crunch, balancing the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce and buttery potatoes. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts also complement this meal well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve in individual shallow bowls to highlight the shrimp nestled atop the mashed potatoes surrounded by sauce. You can also serve the mashed potatoes in ramekins with shrimp on the side and the sauce poured tableside for some interactive plating fun. Another idea is serving this in warm, shallow cast-iron skillets for rustic coziness and easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The shrimp and sauce are best eaten within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor, while the mashed potatoes can last up to 3 days without losing their creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is a bit tricky since the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and the shrimp texture can become rubbery. If you must freeze, separate the mashed potatoes from the shrimp and sauce. Freeze the potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For the shrimp and sauce, freezing is not ideal but can be done with caution—use freezer-safe containers and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, use a low heat setting on the stovetop or microwave to warm the shrimp and sauce gently, stirring frequently to prevent splitting of the cream. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Reheat mashed potatoes on the stove or microwave with a little extra butter or milk stirred in to regain silky smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture, which could affect searing and sauce texture.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor, but the texture will be slightly different.
How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
The key is to use warm milk and plenty of butter, then mash well until smooth. Using a potato ricer instead of a masher creates an even silkier texture.
Can I add vegetables to the creamy Parmesan sauce?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions that complement the shrimp and sauce perfectly, adding more color and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a total winner when you want something both comforting and impressive. It’s a perfect blend of rich, creamy, and savory flavors that feel indulgent without being complicated. Whether it’s a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight treat, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!
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Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Sauce and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce served over rich, buttery mashed potatoes. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that combines creamy textures and bold flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound big shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup rich heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme leaves for sprinkling
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds peeled, cubed potatoes
- About 1/4 cup butter for potatoes
- About 1/2 cup warm milk
- A pinch of salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Chop the peeled potatoes into chunks and boil them in water until they are tender enough for a fork to easily pierce through, about 15 minutes. Drain the water completely.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the cooked potatoes with the butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt. Cover to keep warm while preparing the shrimp.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually melt in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. If using, add the Dijon mustard and mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates, arrange the cooked shrimp on top, and generously drizzle the garlic Parmesan sauce over everything. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the finished dish to add a fragrant and fresh touch.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of grated cheese.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially the salt and pepper in both potatoes and sauce.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.
- For a richer potato mash, you can add extra butter or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
