Ah, my friend, gather ’round! I’m about to share one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes that never fails to impress—a creamy garlic shrimp over velvety mashed potatoes. Picture this: tender shrimp swimming in a dreamy garlic-infused sauce, resting atop a fluffy mound of buttery mashed potatoes. Trust me, the first bite is like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s get straight to the heart of why you should whip this dish up tonight! The beauty of creamy garlic shrimp lies not just in its flavors but also in its simplicity. This is one of those recipes that screams, “You’ve got this!” It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to impress someone special without spending all day in the kitchen.
Imagine the satisfying sizzle of shrimp as they hit the pan, the aroma of garlic melding with the richness of cream. It’s pure magic! And let’s not overlook the potatoes—creamy, buttery, and perfectly fluffy. They’re the ideal canvas for that luscious sauce. Together, they create a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy gathering, this dish fits the bill.
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s round up our ingredients for this delightful dish, shall we?
- Shrimp: About 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Use fresh shrimp if you can, but frozen works in a pinch—just make sure to thaw them first!
- Butter: Two tablespoons will melt into your garlic concoction, giving it that rich, luscious mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic will take the flavor up several notches—trust me, it’s the heart of this recipe.
- Heavy Cream: You need one cup of this silky goodness. It makes the sauce creamy and smooth, elevating the dish to something spectacular.
- Chicken Broth: One cup to add depth and flavor. When you’re in a bind, vegetable broth could work too.
- Salt and Pepper: Use to taste. A great way to bring out all the flavors.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley (about a tablespoon, chopped) to garnish and add a pop of color.
- Potatoes: Grab 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks. I love using Yukon Gold—they’re creamy and perfect for mashing.
- Milk: We’ll need half a cup for the mashed potatoes, bringing everything together into that dreamy texture.
- Butter for Mashed Potatoes: Four tablespoons to create that buttery bliss in your mash!
How This Recipe Comes Together
Alright, it’s time to bring all these ingredients together! Follow me closely:
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Cook the Potatoes: Place your potato chunks in a pot of boiling water and cook them until they’re tender—about 15-20 minutes should do the trick. Once they’re fork-tender, drain and mash them with milk and 4 tablespoons of butter. Set those fluffy clouds aside.
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Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. When it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling divine.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and let them dance around until they turn pink—this takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t walk away! Keep an eye on them; they’re fast.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring it all together. Bring it to a gentle simmer and season it with salt and pepper. Let it bubble away for a few minutes until you see it thickening up beautifully.
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Finishing Touch: Once the sauce has reached the right consistency, remove it from heat. You’re just moments away from pure deliciousness!
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Serve It Up: Place a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes on a plate and ladle that savory garlic shrimp over the top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, and voilà—dinner is served!
Best Way to Enjoy It
Now that you’ve crafted this masterpiece, you might wonder how best to enjoy it. Serve it piping hot, just as it is, or perhaps with a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness. A nice crusty bread can also be a great companion for wiping the plate clean—because trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop of that heavenly sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let’s talk leftovers! Though I doubt there’ll be much, if you do have some creamy shrimp left, here’s what to do:
- Storing: Allow the shrimp and potatoes to cool before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture—it’ll be almost as good as day one!
Pro Chef Tips
- Fresh or Frozen Shrimp? Fresh shrimp gives the best texture, but frozen is perfectly acceptable—just make sure to thaw them.
- Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy sauce, swap half of the chicken broth with additional heavy cream—delicious!
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you’re a garlic lover like I am, feel free to boost the garlic content; you can never have too much garlic!
Flavor Swaps
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider some variations! Here are a few fun twists:
- Herbs: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal spin.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a little heat.
- Vegan Version: Try using plant-based shrimp or tofu and swap out the cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
Directions
- Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with milk and butter. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.
Your Questions Answered
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Certainly! Just keep the shrimp and potatoes separate until you’re ready to serve.
- What if I’m not a fan of shrimp? You can substitute chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian option!
- How can I make this dish lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to lighten things up.
- What’s the prep time? Allow about 10-15 minutes for prep and another 20-25 for cooking.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? You can freeze the shrimp sauce, but it’s best to enjoy the mashed potatoes fresh.
Nothing beats the cozy comfort of creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes. It’s heartwarming, indulgent, and made with love. I can’t wait for you to try making this dish! And remember, don’t be afraid to add your own twists—cooking is all about experimentation. Share your thoughts and adaptations with me when you try it! Happy cooking, my dear friend!
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce served over velvety mashed potatoes.Ingredients
For the Garlic Shrimp:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
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Cook the Potatoes
Place potato chunks in boiling water and cook until tender (15-20 minutes). Drain and mash with milk and butter. Set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Shrimp
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Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. -
Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink (3-4 minutes).Do not walk away as shrimp cook quickly. -
Create the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper and let thicken for a few minutes.The sauce should hold onto a spoon when done. -
Serve
Serve the creamy garlic shrimp over the mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 720kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 42g65%
- Saturated Fat 24g120%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 240mg80%
- Sodium 1140mg48%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 28g57%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 15 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 2.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3.5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 450 mg
- Magnesium 50 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 40 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
