Looking for a meal that’s quick to prepare but feels like a luxurious indulgence? This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes is your answer! Juicy, garlicky shrimp nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes—it’s a match made in heaven. The dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet impressive enough for a special dinner. Plus, with just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute dinner.
Flavor-Packed: The shrimp is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with optional white wine for added depth, while the mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
Versatile: The recipe is easily adjustable for dietary needs or ingredient substitutions. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like!
Impressive Yet Simple: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: For a rich, creamy sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor that makes this dish shine.
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Adds acidity and depth to the sauce; substitute with more chicken broth if preferred.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful sauce base.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for a creamy, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: For richness and a silky smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for perfect seasoning.
Ingredient Tips
Shrimp: Look for large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) for the best texture and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, purchase shrimp that are already peeled and deveined.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic will work, but the taste may be milder.
Wine: If you don’t have white wine, use a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a similar acidity.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes give a fluffier mashed texture, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier result. Choose based on your preference!
Instructions Outline
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing 2 lbs of potatoes into even-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the hot pot (this step helps evaporate any excess water, making for fluffier potatoes). Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer until they’re smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
Pro Tip: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, consider warming the milk and melting the butter before adding them to the potatoes.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
If using, pour in 1/4 cup of white wine and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Add the optional 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Chef’s Note: If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash more broth to keep it from drying out.
3. Serve and Enjoy
To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and drizzle some of the sauce from the pan over the shrimp and potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Tip: For an elegant presentation, use a ring mold to shape the mashed potatoes neatly on the plate before topping them with shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Side Vegetables: Pair this dish with steamed or sautéed asparagus, green beans, or a fresh side salad for added color and nutrition.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce—it’s too good to waste!
Wine Pairing: If you used white wine in the sauce, serve the same wine with your meal. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the buttery garlic shrimp beautifully.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Freezing: Shrimp does not freeze well after being cooked, but you can freeze the mashed potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variations
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the skillet with the shrimp for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Creamy Shrimp: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Herb Lovers: Use fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil to complement the garlic and butter.
Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to bring some heat to the dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- For 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)
- For 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 diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- If using, pour in white wine and chicken broth, then simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.