If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly combines indulgence and comfort, this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce paired with silky smooth mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth—every bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, delivering fantastic taste, comforting textures, and inviting aromas that make your kitchen feel extra warm and welcoming.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the garlicky flavors beautifully.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce for the shrimp and smoothness for the potatoes.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with delightful aroma and a savory punch.
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Adds brightness and depth to the shrimp sauce—perfect for an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and tender, balancing the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick for those who love a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of green and freshness to brighten the final presentation.
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced: The comforting base that creates creamy mashed potatoes to cradle the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the potatoes without overpowering flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Ensures the mashed potatoes are rich, velvety, and indulgent.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. This is the foundation for your creamy mashed potatoes, and getting the potatoes perfectly soft is key to that smooth texture everyone loves.
Step 2: Mash and Season the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot while still hot. Add the milk and unsalted butter, then mash until you reach a silky, creamy consistency without any lumps. Season generously with salt and pepper—this step is what takes your mashed potatoes from basic to exceptional, so taste as you go.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned, letting that irresistible garlic aroma fill the air. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery fast!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine if you’re using it, and the chicken broth. Allow the liquid to simmer for about 2 minutes so it slightly thickens, picking up all those caramelized bits from the shrimp. Add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice, then season with salt and pepper to balance all the flavors beautifully. Stir everything together to combine.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and mashed potatoes to add a dash of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also works wonders, cutting through the richness and lifting the dish to new heights.
Side Dishes
While this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is wonderfully satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can add a refreshing contrast. Something light and crunchy balances the creamy and buttery elements perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the shrimp spooned over a generous mound of fluffy mashed potatoes on each plate, then drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over the top. For a rustic feel, try serving everything family-style in a cast-iron skillet right at the table. It’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp and mashed potatoes keep well in the fridge for up to two days when stored in airtight containers. The shrimp can absorb a bit more flavor from the sauce overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze well, shrimp can become chewy if frozen and thawed again. If you plan to freeze, store the mashed potatoes separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, and try to enjoy the shrimp fresh for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stove with a splash of milk or in the microwave, stirring to restore creaminess. Warm the shrimp quickly in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Combining them just before serving retains their best flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that can prevent proper searing in the skillet.
What type of potatoes are best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal because they break down well and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Is white wine necessary in the Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Not at all! The wine adds a subtle brightness, but you can skip it or substitute with extra chicken broth without losing too much flavor.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of butter, and swap milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk in the mashed potatoes.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely. Thyme, dill, or a little smoked paprika can give the dish an interesting twist while still complementing the garlic butter and shrimp flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s straightforward to make but tastes like you put in so much love and skill. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how effortlessly satisfying homemade comfort food can be!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes recipe combines succulent, garlic-infused shrimp with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s simple yet elegant, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the milk and 1/4 cup unsalted butter to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (if using) and chicken broth. Simmer the mixture for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Season and Finish: Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic butter shrimp over the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- White wine is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the shrimp sauce.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning during cooking.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, warm the milk before adding.
- Peeling and dicing potatoes evenly ensures they cook uniformly.
