Speedy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Oh, there’s nothing quite like a meal that just wraps you up in a warm hug, right? Some nights, you just crave something totally comforting, something that feels like home. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes delivers. It’s my go-to when I need a delicious dinner on the table *fast*. Imagine perfectly cooked, tender shrimp swimming in the most luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all piled high on a cloud of fluffy mashed potatoes. Seriously, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that tastes like you spent hours on it!

I remember one particularly crazy Tuesday when work ran super late. I was starving, and the thought of anything complicated made me want to cry! I threw this together in less than 30 minutes, and it was pure magic. That rich, garlicky goodness with the smooth potatoes… perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Honestly, this recipe is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Super Speedy: Seriously, we’re talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
• Crazy Easy: Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip this up. No fancy techniques needed.
• Pure Comfort: That creamy, garlicky sauce over dreamy mashed potatoes? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Deliciously Satisfying: It hits all the right notes – rich, savory, and totally craveable. You won’t be hungry again an hour later!

Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Alright, let’s get our delicious ingredients ready! For this super satisfying Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes, you’ll want to have these handy:

• 1.5 lbs large shrimp, make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Trust me, nobody wants to peel shrimp after a long day!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – your trusty base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. The more garlic, the better, in my opinion! Fresh is always best here.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth. We’ll use this to get all those yummy bits off the pan.
• 1 cup heavy cream. This is where the magic creamy happens!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Little salty, cheesy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Salt and black pepper, just to taste.
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes. Whatever your favorite way to make them is!

Using fresh ingredients, especially that garlic and parsley, really makes a huge difference, you’ll see!

Essential Equipment for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Before we dive into making this dreamy dish, let’s make sure you’ve got the right gear! You’ll mostly need standard kitchen stuff, but here are the stars of the show:

• A large skillet (non-stick or stainless steel works great) for cooking the shrimp and making that luscious sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – gotta get those ratios right!
• A good ol’ wooden spoon or spatula for stirring everything up.
• A whisk can be helpful for getting the sauce super smooth, but a spoon works too!

That’s pretty much it! Simple tools for a spectacular meal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this incredible Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is way easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time at Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes.

Sautéing the Shrimp and Aromatics

First things first, grab your large skillet and get it heating over medium heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your prepared shrimp. Don’t crowd the pan! Cook them for just about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. We want them perfectly cooked, not rubbery! As soon as they’re done, scoop them out onto a plate and set ’em aside. Now, toss your minced garlic into that same skillet. Give it a quick stir for about a minute until it smells amazing. Careful not to burn it!

Building the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now for the creamy dreaminess! Pour that chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Use your spoon to scrape up all those delicious little brown bits stuck to the bottom – that’s pure flavor right there! Let it bubble for a moment, then pour in your heavy cream. Stir it all together and let it come to a gentle simmer. Watch it closely, and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts to thicken up just a bit. It should coat the back of your spoon nicely. Turn the heat down to low, and stir in that grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and the sauce is smooth and glorious.

Combining and Finishing the Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Okay, the best part! Gently return those beautiful, cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss them around carefully so they’re all coated in that luscious goodness. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and really bright flavor. Now, give it a taste. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper until it tastes just right for you. Remember, the Parmesan is already salty, so season gradually!

Serving Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Time to serve up this masterpiece! Make sure your mashed potatoes are nice and warm. Spoon generous portions of those dreamy mashed potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Then, ladle that incredible creamy garlic shrimp right over the top. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is perfectly luscious. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little secrets that’ll make your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes absolutely sing! First off, please, please, PLEASE use fresh garlic. That pre-minced stuff just doesn’t have the same punch. Mince it yourself right before you use it – you’ll totally taste the difference. Also, when you’re cooking the shrimp, don’t just dump them all in the pan at once! They need a little breathing room to get that nice pink color and not steam. Cook them in batches if you have to; it’s worth it for perfectly tender shrimp. And remember that little bit of chicken broth you use to deglaze the pan? Don’t skip it! Those browned bits are pure gold, packed with flavor that makes the sauce extra special.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about some of the key players in our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes. The shrimp, of course, should be large if possible – they hold up better in the sauce. If you only have smaller ones, that’s totally fine, just cook them a little less time! For the garlic, seriously, fresh is best. That bottled stuff just isn’t the same. If you’re out of chicken broth, no worries! Veggie broth works just as well, or even a splash of water in a pinch. And the heavy cream? That’s what makes it all rich and luscious. You could *try* half-and-half, but it’ll be a thinner sauce, so just keep that in mind!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes? Lucky you! Let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I really prefer doing it on the stovetop over low heat. This way, you can give it a little stir and add a tiny splash more cream or broth if it seems a bit thick. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can wiggle around depending on exactly what you use, like the brands of cream or how you whip up your potatoes. But for a general idea, a serving of this glorious Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes usually clocks in around: Calories: 650, Fat: 40g, Protein: 30g, and Carbohydrates: 40g, with about 5g of Sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! That’s a great way to save even more time on a busy night. You can totally make your mashed potatoes earlier in the day or even the day before. Just store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or pop them in the microwave. Make sure they are nice and warm before spooning that delicious Creamy Garlic Shrimp over them!

What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?

I really love using large shrimp for this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes because they feel substantial and are easier to handle. Peeled and deveined is key – it saves you a ton of hassle! You *can* use medium shrimp, but just be extra careful not to overcook them, as they’ll cook even faster than the large ones. Medium shrimp might also get a little lost in the sauce, so aim for large if you can!

Is this recipe spicy? How can I add some heat?

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes isn’t spicy at all as written; it’s all about that rich, savory, garlicky flavor! But if you like a little kick, I’ve got you covered. A super easy way to add heat is to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes right along with the garlic when you’re sautéing it. Start with just a little bit and add more if you like it really zesty!

Can I use a different type of broth instead of chicken broth?

You sure can! If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute and works beautifully in this sauce. You could even use fish broth for a more seafood-forward flavor, or honestly, just plain water will do in a pinch, though the broth adds a little extra depth. Just remember to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan no matter what liquid you use!

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