If you’re searching for a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly comforting, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes. This recipe brings together succulent, garlicky shrimp with lusciously creamy mashed potatoes—a pairing that tastes like pure joy on a plate. It’s not just impressively flavorful, but also surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. Whether you want to treat yourself or dazzle someone you love, this dish will become a treasured go-to in your kitchen repertoire.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes truly special is that every ingredient has a starring role. Each one builds layers of flavor and ensures every bite is mouthwatering—from the buttery shrimp through to the rich, fluffy potatoes.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the juiciest results and easiest eating. Tails can be left on for presentation or removed for convenience.
Butter: The backbone of both the shrimp and mashed potatoes—unsalted butter gives you control over the seasoning and brings irresistible richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic releases intense fragrance and flavor that takes the shrimp over the top.
Olive Oil: Adds extra silkiness and helps prevent the butter from burning while sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish, adding a zingy finish that balances out the lush butteriness.
Paprika: Offers subtle smokiness, eye-catching color, and depth of flavor to the seasoned shrimp.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for drawing out the best in every component—season generously, taste as you go!
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes whip up into the lightest, fluffiest mashed potatoes and are a staple for classic comfort dishes.
Whole Milk: Contributes to creamy, silky-smooth mashed potatoes that are neither heavy nor dense.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and an extra creamy texture—trust me, it’s the secret to dreamy mashed potatoes.
Fresh Parsley: Finishes the plate with color and a herbaceous aroma that livens up every serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into even chunks—this helps them cook at the same rate. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the potato chunks. Let them cook until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot so any extra moisture evaporates, keeping your mash nice and fluffy.

Step 2: Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Add the whole milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and black pepper directly into the hot potatoes. Mash them until everything is smooth and creamy—lumps are welcome if you love a rustic texture! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, then cover the pot to keep your mashed potatoes warm while you cook the shrimp.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

While the potatoes are cooking, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to encourage a beautiful golden sear. Sprinkle the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece is well-coated. This step infuses each shrimp with its first level of big, bold flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, stirring for just about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden—be watchful so it doesn’t burn. Lay the shrimp in a single layer across the skillet and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. Right at the end, splash in the lemon juice, tossing everything together so the shrimp are fully coated in that garlicky, buttery goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now comes the best part: plating your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes. Divide the mashed potatoes among the plates, making a cozy bed for the shrimp. Arrange the shrimp on top and be sure to spoon over any extra garlic butter from the skillet. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve while everything is piping hot.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Nothing dresses up Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes like a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. If you’re feeling a little extra, try a fine grate of lemon zest or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A touch of paprika dusted over the top also adds color and a gentle warmth.

Side Dishes

Although this dish is pretty stand-alone, you can pair it with crisp, buttered green beans, a simple leafy salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. These fresh sides help balance the rich flavors and provide a pop of crunch and color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes even more memorable, serve the mashed potatoes in shallow bowls and arrange the shrimp in a spiral on top. For a party, you can plate individual portions in small ramekins, or mound the mashed potatoes and skewer the shrimp for an elegant appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftovers tasting as fresh as possible, store the mashed potatoes and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best texture for each—and you’ll be excited to dig back in for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well if you place them in a freezer-safe container, the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to freeze leftovers, do so separately, knowing the potatoes will reheat more gracefully than the shrimp, which can become a bit rubbery when thawed.

Reheating

For mashed potatoes, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring occasionally until creamy again. The shrimp can be briefly warmed in a skillet with a touch of butter—be careful not to overcook, just heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps them achieve a great sear and keeps the texture perfect.

What’s the best potato for extra creamy mashed potatoes?

Russet potatoes are my go-to for this dish, but Yukon Gold potatoes make for a deliciously creamy and slightly buttery alternative. Both are wonderful and mash up beautifully!

Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?

Yes, and it’s delicious! Stir in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar for a next-level flavor boost in your mashed potatoes.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the potatoes?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, try Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream for that same rich, tangy texture. You could even use cream cheese for extra decadence.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check the labels on your chosen ingredients to be certain, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

Few meals feel as soul-satisfying and share-worthy as Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting all at once—wonderful for a special dinner or a treat-yourself night in. Gather up those ingredients, invite someone you love to the table, and let this dish work its magic!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful meal of Garlic Butter Shrimp served over creamy Mashed Potatoes. This comforting dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for potatoes)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt (for potatoes)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for potatoes)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Making Mashed Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potato chunks. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed. Cover to keep warm.
Preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon juice.
Serving: Divide mashed potatoes among plates, top with garlic butter shrimp, and garnish with parsley.