Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe

I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe comes together because it’s the perfect blend of indulgence and comfort. The tender, garlicky shrimp nestled in a luscious cream sauce atop fluffy mashed potatoes is exactly what I reach for when I want something special yet unpretentious. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend dinner that needs to impress, this dish always delivers those cozy, rich flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

When I first tried making this, I was amazed at how the creamy garlic sauce elevates the shrimp, and pairing it with mashed potatoes turns it into a comforting, satisfying meal. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly simple to prepare but feels luxuriously fancy – a total win in my book! Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) taste just as delicious, so this recipe is worthy of repeating.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to blend perfectly for that unmistakable flavor. I always recommend using fresh, peeled large prawns or shrimp to make handling easier and the dish more indulgent.

• Peeled Prawns/Shrimp: Large or jumbo sizes work best—they stay juicy and are easier to cook evenly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here for that punch of flavor; I like to mince it finely so it infuses the sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Used for marinating, it adds a subtle fruity base to the prawns.
• Black Pepper: Just a touch for mild heat and balance in the marinade.
• Salt: Added right before cooking to keep the prawns succulent.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness when cooking the prawns and making the sauce.
• Dry White Wine: Great for deglazing the pan and adding depth; a sauvignon blanc or pinot gris works well.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Adds savory flavor and thins the sauce just enough.
• Heavy Cream: This is the heart of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for best melting and flavor – it’s a game changer here!
• Fresh Parsley: To finish and brighten the dish with some color and freshness.

Variations

I love experimenting with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to swap, add, or skip ingredients—the beauty of this dish is it’s forgiving and flexible.

• Spicy Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for a subtle kick, and my family enjoys that little extra heat.
• Protein Swap: If you’re not into shrimp, scallops or even chicken breast strips can be used—the creamy sauce is versatile and still incredible.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and skip the parmesan, adding a little nutritional yeast instead for cheesy notes.
• Herb Boost: Try fresh thyme or chives in addition to parsley for layers of herbal aroma; it makes the sauce feel even fresher.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Prawns to Infuse Flavor

Start by placing your peeled prawns or shrimp in a bowl with finely minced garlic, olive oil, and black pepper. Toss everything so the garlic and oil coat the prawns well. If you have time, let them sit for about 20 minutes to soak up those garlicky notes—but don’t go longer than that or the acid (even from the garlic) can start to “cook” the prawns and affect their texture. Just before cooking, stir in the salt to season without drawing out moisture prematurely.

Step 2: Cook the Prawns Gently for Perfect Texture

Heat a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the prawns and cook for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook, as shrimp will become rubbery if left too long. Remove the cooked prawns and repeat with the rest. I like to scrape out any garlic bits left in the pan and stir them through the cooked prawns so nothing goes to waste and you get maximum flavor.

Step 3: Build a Rich Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and let it melt slowly. Toss in finely minced garlic and sauté just until it turns light golden—watch closely so it doesn’t burn, or it’ll taste bitter. Pour in the white wine and turn the heat to high, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits from cooking the prawns (this is what I call “free flavor”). Simmer the wine for about a minute until the smell softens and most of the liquid evaporates.

Next, add the chicken or vegetable stock, and let it reduce until only a thin layer coats the pan’s base. Now pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently on medium heat for about 2 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes luscious and velvety. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth—the freshly grated part is key to avoid grainy sauce! Return the prawns to the pan, stir to coat in the sauce, and taste—adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve Over Your Favorite Mashed Potatoes

For serving, spoon a generous portion of creamy garlic shrimp and sauce over a bed of warm, buttery mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. This dish is about rich, creamy textures and balanced garlic flavor, so don’t be shy with the sauce—it’s the star of the show!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes, I add a little lemon zest on top for a fresh zing that wakes up the flavors if I’m feeling fancy or serving guests.

Side Dishes

While mashed potatoes are the classic partner, I sometimes pair this with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a bit of crunch and freshness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness nicely and keeps the meal feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls with piped mashed potatoes underneath and shrimp arranged neatly on top, garnished with parsley and a tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It makes the plate look as elegant as it tastes and always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well, but I find storing shrimp and mashed potatoes separately works best to maintain texture. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy.

Freezing

In my experience, the shrimp and sauce don’t freeze as well due to the cream, which can separate when thawed. But you can freeze mashed potatoes without issue. If you freeze the sauce, thaw it slowly in the fridge and whisk it before reheating to help bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to avoid the cream breaking. Alternatively, the microwave is fine if you do short bursts and stir in between. Adding a splash of stock or cream helps revive the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like an elevated home-cooked dinner without the fuss. I love sharing it with friends and family when I want to impress but not stress in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how effortlessly sumptuous a dish can be when simple ingredients come together with a little love and care.

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