Creamy Garlic Shrimp: 35-Minute Dream Dish

Oh, you guys, I am SO excited to share this dish with you! Seriously, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is like a warm hug on a plate, but it also feels totally fancy enough for company. I absolutely love whipping this up on a weeknight because it comes together so surprisingly fast, and the flavors are just out of this world. It’s one of those incredibly satisfying meals that hits all the right notes – rich, savory, and just so comforting. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love about this dish? It’s a total winner for so many reasons:

• Speedy Suppers: You can have this whole delicious meal on the table in about 35 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something amazing but don’t have tons of time.
• Flavor Explosion: The garlic, the creamy sauce, the tender shrimp – it all just sings together. It’s so rich and savory, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!
• Comfort Food King: It’s the ultimate comfort food. Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with succulent shrimp in a dreamy sauce? Yes, please!
• Impressive Yet Easy: Even though it’s a breeze to make, it looks and tastes like something from a nice restaurant. Your guests will be seriously impressed!

Gathering Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Alright, let’s get everything ready for this fantastic Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes! Having all your ingredients prepped and measured makes cooking so much smoother, like a little dance in the kitchen. I always like to have my shrimp peeled and deveined beforehand, and get my garlic minced and parsley chopped before I even turn on the stove. It really makes a difference. You’ll need some good quality ingredients for the best flavor, so grab the freshest shrimp you can find!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp

For the star of the show, you’ll need about a pound of large shrimp – make sure they’re peeled and deveined, that’s key! Then we’ve got four cloves of garlic that you’ll want to mince up nice and fine. For that luscious sauce, we’ll grab 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to get things started. Then comes the magic: half a cup of heavy cream and a quarter cup of chicken broth. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, all chopped up, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. Trust me, these simple things come together beautifully.

Ingredients for Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Now for the perfect pillow-y bed for our shrimp! You’ll need about a pound of potatoes. I like to peel them and cut them into cubes so they cook evenly. Then, for that creamy, dreamy texture, we’ll use a quarter cup of milk – whole milk makes them extra rich! Two tablespoons of butter are essential for flavor and smoothness, and just a pinch of salt to make everything taste right. It’s really straightforward, but the quality of your potatoes and butter does make a difference here!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Okay, let’s get cooking! Making this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is really pretty simple, I promise. It’s all about timing and just a few key steps.

Preparing the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

First things first, let’s get those potatoes going. Take your peeled and cubed potatoes and pop them into a pot. Cover them with cold water, add a good pinch of salt (this is important for flavor!), and bring it to a boil. Let them bubble away until they’re fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on how big you cut them. Once they’re soft, drain them really well – we don’t want watery mash! Then, mash them up with your potato masher. Add in the milk and butter, and mash until everything is smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and add more salt if it needs it. Set those aside for a moment.

Cooking the Flavorful Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Now for the star of the show! Grab a skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, that smell! Cook it for just about a minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it – burnt garlic is no fun. Next, add your shrimp right into the skillet. You want to cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink and opaque when they’re done. Overcooked shrimp get tough, so watch them closely! Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in that heavy cream and chicken broth. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken up beautifully. Stir in your fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a little kick, now’s the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Assembling and Serving Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Alright, the moment of truth! Scoop a generous serving of those fluffy mashed potatoes onto your plate. Then, spoon that glorious creamy garlic shrimp right over the top. Make sure you get plenty of that delicious sauce! A little extra sprinkle of parsley on top looks pretty too. Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for Success with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Okay, let’s talk about making this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes absolutely perfect every single time. First off, quality ingredients really do matter here. Grab the freshest large shrimp you can find; they make a huge difference in texture and flavor. When you’re cooking the shrimp, don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook them in batches if you have to. Overcrowding steams them instead of searing, and nobody wants that. Also, keep a close eye on that garlic – it goes from fragrant to burnt really fast, and nobody wants bitter garlic. For the mashed potatoes, make sure you drain them super well after boiling. A little bit of moisture is fine, but too much water will make your mash sad and watery. And remember, the sauce thickens as it cools, so serve it right away over those fluffy potatoes for the best experience!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

While this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is absolutely divine as is, I love playing around with it! It’s so versatile. You can easily jazz it up or change it slightly to suit your mood or what you have on hand. It’s all about making it your own!

Creative Twists on Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Want to add some veggies? Toss in some chopped spinach or asparagus during the last minute of cooking the shrimp – it wilts in beautifully! A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice little kick, or you could even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor. If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, half-and-half works too, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. And don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs; a little bit of fresh dill or chives can be lovely too!

Pairing Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Dish

This dish is pretty much a complete meal on its own with the potatoes, but if you want something extra, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the sauce really nicely. A crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any extra creamy garlic sauce left on the plate – don’t let that goodness go to waste! For drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with seafood. Or, just a glass of cold water or iced tea works wonders too!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Got questions about this delicious Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward seafood dish, but I know sometimes you just need a little extra guidance. Here are some common things people ask me:

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking. Pat them really dry with paper towels afterwards – that helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? No worries! You can totally use half-and-half. The sauce might be a little thinner, but it will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious. Just simmer it a tad longer to thicken it up.
• How long does this last in the fridge? This seafood dinner is best enjoyed fresh, honestly. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp might get a little firmer, and the sauce could separate slightly, but it’s still tasty! Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Can I add other vegetables? Yes! This is a fantastic base for adding other veggies. Peas, corn, diced bell peppers, or even some sautéed mushrooms would be lovely additions. Just toss them in with the shrimp when they’re almost cooked through.
• Is this a good fish dinner option? Definitely! While it’s shrimp, it fits right into that category of easy and satisfying fish dinner recipes. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Just a little heads-up, the nutrition info for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how you make it. But generally, a serving clocks in around 550 calories, with about 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty satisfying meal that gives you a good balance of everything!

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