Description
A cozy, restaurant-worthy dinner for two featuring tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce served over buttery mashed potatoes. Quick, comforting, and easy to adapt for dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or half-and-half), warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Peel and cube potatoes. Place in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (about 10 minutes).
- Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes in a colander. Return to the hot pan. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup warm milk. Mash until smooth or fluffy. Season with black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
- Pat shrimp dry. Toss with smoked paprika, thyme, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Stir, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to skillet. Toss gently in sauce for 1 minute, until coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with creamy garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley, parmesan, or chives as desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Warm milk before adding to potatoes for fluffier mash. Shrimp cook quickly—remove from heat as soon as they turn pink. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan butter. Yukon gold potatoes make creamier mash. This recipe is naturally gluten-free; double-check seasonings and cream if sensitive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous plate (half the recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, mashed potatoes, shrimp dinner, comfort food, easy seafood recipe, date night, gluten-free, quick dinner, restaurant-style, garlic sauce