If you are dreaming of a dinner that wraps you in comfort and bursts with flavor, the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe is everything you need. This dish brings together tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a harmony of rich textures and savory delights that feel both elegant and effortlessly homey. It’s a meal that’s quick enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this beloved dish. Each component plays a quiet but crucial role—bringing brightness, creaminess, or just the right hint of heat. Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic shine:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that soaks up all those bold, garlicky flavors beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided use ensures luscious sauce and creamy potatoes without overpowering saltiness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds the quintessential aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Gives the shrimp a nice sear and balances out the butter richness.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky depth enhancing the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little pinch of heat for those who like a kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and potatoes perfectly.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Provides a fresh, zingy contrast to the buttery sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a vibrant, herbaceous finish that wakes up the dish.
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: These potatoes are creamy when mashed and have a buttery texture that’s just perfect.
- ½ cup whole milk: Enriches the mashed potatoes for a silky smooth consistency.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Mixed into the potatoes, it boosts the flavor and creaminess even more.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This simple step ensures your potatoes absorb just the right amount of seasoning. Toss in the peeled, cubed Yukon gold potatoes and cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are easily pierced by a fork. Drain thoroughly, then return the potatoes to the pot while still warm. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper, then mash everything together until the mixture is silky, smooth, and irresistibly creamy. Cover the pot to keep those comforting potatoes warm while you focus on the shrimp.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the potatoes are getting lovingly mashed, it’s time to turn your attention to the shrimp. Season them generously with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you want that extra zing, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. This mix brings layers of flavor and just the right amount of spice, making each bite a little celebration for your taste buds.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter together with the olive oil. As soon as the garlic hits the pan, the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma—cook it until fragrant, about 1 minute, not letting it brown to keep that smooth garlic flavor. Add the seasoned shrimp, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—this quick sear locks in the sweetness and ensures tender shrimp every time. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, stir in the remaining butter along with chopped parsley, and watch the sauce come together, glossy and irresistible.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Now for the moment of magic: spoon a generous mound of the creamy mashed potatoes on each plate, then top with your glistening garlic butter shrimp. The buttery sauce will drizzle over the potatoes, creating that perfect harmony of flavors that makes this dish so unforgettable.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley on top boosts color and adds a lovely herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the butter and garlic. A thin wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to finish with a fresh squeeze, lifting the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe shines beautifully on its own, serving some steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad can add a fresh crunch and brighten the meal. Roasted asparagus drizzled with a bit of olive oil and lemon would also pair wonderfully with these buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, try plating the shrimp arranged in a small circle on top of the mashed potatoes and drizzle the garlic butter sauce in a spiral around the plate. You can also serve the shrimp in individual mini cast-iron skillets for an intimate dinner party vibe that will wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe (which can be rare!), store the shrimp and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the textures perfect without turning the potatoes gummy or the shrimp rubbery.
Freezing
The mashed potatoes freeze well — just make sure they are cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. The shrimp, however, are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect their texture significantly. For best results, make the shrimp fresh and use frozen mashed potatoes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to regain creaminess. Warm the shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking them. This way, you get that buttery flavor without sacrificing tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can prevent that nice sear.
What type of potatoes work best for mashed potatoes?
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they have a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy texture when mashed, giving you the perfect base for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter and milk with your preferred plant-based alternatives, like vegan butter and almond or oat milk. The flavors will still be delightful, though a bit different.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that balances nicely with the buttery richness. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit them altogether for a completely mild meal.
Can I add vegetables to the shrimp?
Certainly! Toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for an extra pop of color and nutrition without complicating the simple beauty of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s both impressively elegant and wonderfully cozy at the same time. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner where you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your rotation, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs every single time. Go ahead, dive in and enjoy!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with creamy, smooth Yukon gold mashed potatoes. A perfect quick and elegant dinner option that blends classic American flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper to the pot with the drained potatoes. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Add the seasoned shrimp, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Finish the Shrimp: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently until the butter melts and coats the shrimp.
- Serve: Plate a generous scoop of the creamy mashed potatoes, then top with the garlic butter shrimp. Serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for milk in the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
- For enhanced flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- Try tossing a few spinach leaves into the skillet during the last minute of cooking the shrimp for added greens and nutrition.
