Hello, Food Lovers!
Are you ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug? Imagine creamy garlic shrimp piled high on fluffy mashed potatoes—yum! This Comfort Food Dinner recipe is one of my absolute favorites; it’s so satisfying and perfect for any weekday dinner or even a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to comfort food too!
The Magic of Creamy Garlic Shrimp
There’s something so special about creamy garlic sauce, don’t you agree? It enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness while complementing the buttery mashed potatoes. The flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, shrimp cooks super fast, so it’s a great option if you’re short on time!
Nutritional Benefits
While this dish feels indulgent, it also brings in some nutritional goodies. Shrimp is packed with protein and low in calories, making it a great choice if you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet. The heavy cream in this recipe adds richness, but you can also opt for half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, especially if you’re watching your intake of fats. Mashed potatoes provide carbs which fuel you through the day, and garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also brings in some vitamins and antioxidants. It’s all about balance!
Adaptable Variations to Consider
- Seafood Swap: Not a shrimp fan? Feel free to swap in scallops or even chicken for a different twist!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lactose-free version, and skip the butter or replace it with olive oil.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an extra pop of color and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: If you’re like me and love a kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for some heat!
Let’s Get Cooking: Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or instant)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start by boiling your peeled potatoes in salted water until they are nice and tender. Once they’re soft, drain them and mash with butter and milk. If you’re in a hurry, using instant mashed potatoes works perfectly too!
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp, sprinkling them generously with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, throw in that lovely minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour the chicken broth in, scraping up any leftover bits from the skillet—those bits are packed with flavor! Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reduces down.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, letting the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens just a bit. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Reintroduce the Shrimp: Add the shrimp back into the skillet, ensuring they’re coated in that creamy garlic sauce. Heat them for another minute or two until everything is warm.
- Serve: Spoon those delicious mashed potatoes onto plates and top them generously with the creamy garlic shrimp. Don’t forget the parsley garnish for that pop of freshness!
- Optional: Add some lemon wedges on the side so people can squeeze a little extra zing on their dish!
Practical Tips for Success
- For the creamiest mashed potatoes, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra kick!
- Keep those shrimp moving in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly and don’t become rubbery.
- If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes to keep everything fresh!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- A large skillet for cooking the shrimp and sauce
- Medium pot for boiling potatoes
- A potato masher or hand mixer for that perfect mashed potato consistency
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts
- A cutting board and knife for chopping garlic and parsley
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for the best texture.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free as long as you check the chicken broth label.
- Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve. Just add the shrimp and sauce fresh.
- How long do leftovers last? They can last in the fridge for about 2-3 days when stored properly.
- Can I use a different type of potato? Sure! Yukon Golds or red potatoes can also be delicious options for your mash!
Join the Fun!
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp over Mashed Potatoes! It’s an incredible dish that I’m sure you’ll love as much as I do. If you make it, please let me know how it turns out, or share your awesome photos! Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting recipes, and happy cooking!
