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

If you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and homey, I’ve got just the recipe for you. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel cozy inside, yet fancy enough for a date night at home. From the juicy garlic marinated shrimp to that dreamy parmesan cream sauce resting on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, each bite delivers richness and comfort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked—my family certainly is!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works in harmony to balance creaminess, garlic punch, and the freshness of prawns. When shopping, try to pick the freshest shrimp you can find, and don’t skimp on the parmesan—it really makes the sauce sing.

• Prawns/shrimp: Large or jumbo sized are best to keep the texture plump and juicy and easy to flip in the pan.
• Garlic: Key for punchy flavor both in the marinade and the creamy sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps the garlic infuse into the shrimp without overpowering their natural flavor.
• Black pepper and salt: Classic seasoning for both marinade and final sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing and finishing the sauce—choose a good-quality butter for best results.
• Dry white wine: Optional but recommended for that beautiful depth and to deglaze the pan, unlocking all those tasty pan bits.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds extra flavor to the sauce and helps with the right consistency.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature silky texture that clings to the shrimp and potatoes.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated is a must—pre-grated just doesn’t melt the same way.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish at the end with a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

I love that this recipe is so flexible. Over time, I’ve made it my own by playing around with different flavors and ingredients—it’s a great starting point but also a canvas for your creativity. Feel free to swap out things or boost some flavors!

• Add Spice: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp for a subtle heat that my family goes wild for.
• Herb Twists: Instead of parsley, try fresh basil or chives for a different fresh note.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a rich, dairy-free take.
• Wine-Free Variation: Skip the white wine and add an extra splash of chicken stock with a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

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

Step 1: Marinate Your Prawns for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined prawns with finely minced garlic, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Let them sit for about 20 minutes if you have time—that slow infusion really helps the garlic flavor soak into the shrimp while keeping the texture tender. When you’re ready to cook, sprinkle salt on right before adding them to the pan to keep them from drawing out too much moisture early on.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp to Juicy Perfection

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add half the prawns. Cook them for just about 1 minute per side—you want a nice sear but don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery. Remove the cooked prawns onto a plate and repeat with the second batch. I like to scrape out any garlic bits that remain in the pan and toss those in with the cooked shrimp for extra flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add more minced garlic, stirring just until it turns lightly golden and fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock if you’re skipping wine), crank up the heat and let it simmer till mostly evaporated. This step dissolves all those golden brown bits from the pan into the sauce, boosting flavor tremendously.

Next, add the chicken or vegetable stock and let that reduce down until just a thin glaze coats the pan’s surface. Pour in your heavy cream and simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in freshly grated parmesan until melted and creamy. Pop the cooked prawns back into the sauce, give everything a gentle toss, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve It Up on a Bed of Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

I like to spoon this luscious creamy garlic shrimp right over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes—because the sauce soaks perfectly into every bite. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It’s just divine!

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

Garnishes

I keep it simple with plenty of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top—that little touch of greenery makes a big difference visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I add a light dusting of lemon zest to brighten things up even further, which pairs perfectly with the garlic and cream.

Side Dishes

Because the mashed potatoes soak up a ton of sauce, I tend to serve this with a crisp green salad or some sautéed green beans for a fresh contrast. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are also excellent companions, bringing earthy notes to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m making this for guests or a special occasion, I like to plate the mashed potatoes using a large ring mold for a neat tower, then ladle the shrimp and sauce over the top. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds an elegant touch that’ll impress without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’re best eaten within three days. The shrimp and sauce hold up surprisingly well, especially if you keep the mashed potatoes separate to avoid them getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the shrimp and sauce on their own with some success. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. The texture might be slightly less tender after thawing, but the flavors stay pretty intact. I wouldn’t freeze the mashed potatoes with this dish, though; they can get grainy.

Reheating

To reheat, use low heat in a skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to heat evenly without overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of stock or cream helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious. If mashed potatoes have dried out a bit, a touch of milk or butter can revive their creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes – A Luxurious Comfort Food Classic Recipe comes together—it’s that perfect blend of rich, garlicky, and comforting that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember the first time I made it, and how my family kept going back for seconds, which made me realize this was a keeper. If you want a dish that’s both impressive and straightforward, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it, and I promise your dinner table will thank you.

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