Few dishes deliver indulgence, comfort, and elegance in one plate quite like Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes. Imagine perfectly seared shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, resting on a bed of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that rich, savory goodness.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between restaurant-quality presentation and homestyle comfort. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests, preparing a romantic date-night meal, or simply treating yourself to something decadent, this dish will not disappoint.
In this article, we’ll cover:
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Why Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes is a perfect meal.
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A detailed ingredient breakdown.
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Step-by-step cooking instructions.
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Pro tips for flawless results.
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Flavor variations and serving ideas.
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Storage and reheating tips.
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Nutritional value and FAQs.
By the end, you’ll be ready to master this dish and impress anyone who tastes it.
Why This Dish Works
1. The Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them the perfect protein for garlic butter sauces. Their natural sweetness balances the savory, garlicky richness.
2. The Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic and butter are a timeless combination, but when paired with cream, they create a velvety sauce that elevates the shrimp to indulgent heights.
3. The Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes aren’t just a side here; they are a critical component. The creamy texture and mild flavor balance the richness of the shrimp, creating harmony on the plate.
4. The Experience
Each bite brings together the buttery shrimp, creamy sauce, and pillowy potatoes — a luxurious, satisfying combination that’s simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes
For the Shrimp:
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1 ½ pounds (700 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ cup chicken or seafood broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter texture)
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2 garlic cloves, roasted or sautéed for extra flavor
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
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Peel and cube the potatoes evenly.
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Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
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Simmer until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
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Drain and return to the pot.
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Add butter, cream, and roasted garlic. Mash until smooth and creamy.
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Season generously with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: Warm the cream before adding to the potatoes. This keeps the mash fluffy instead of gluey.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
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Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add shrimp in batches; cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.
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Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Pour in broth and cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
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Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes to absorb flavors.
5: Plate and Serve
Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with shrimp and drizzle sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
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Don’t overcook shrimp: They should be pink, firm, and juicy, not rubbery.
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Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They provide a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.
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Balance the sauce: Add lemon juice to cut through the richness of the butter and cream.
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Roast your garlic: Roasting garlic before mashing it into the potatoes adds a sweet, nutty depth.
Flavor Variations
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Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy version. -
Herb Infusion
Mix fresh basil, thyme, or dill into the sauce for herbal notes. -
Cheesy Upgrade
Fold shredded mozzarella into the mashed potatoes for extra decadence. -
Seafood Twist
Swap shrimp for scallops or add lobster for a luxurious variation.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with steamed asparagus or green beans for color and freshness.
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Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
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Add a side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream. Avoid microwaving shrimp as it can make them rubbery.
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Freezing: Mashed potatoes can be frozen separately, but shrimp in cream sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)
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Calories: 550
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Protein: 32 g
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Fat: 32 g
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Carbohydrates: 38 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and olive oil for butter.
How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the butter slightly.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes is the definition of a comfort food classic elevated with elegance. The buttery, garlicky sauce wraps the shrimp in flavor, while the mashed potatoes act as the perfect canvas for every bite.
Ingredients
