This mashed potatoes and shrimp recipe brings together creamy, buttery potatoes with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter. The result? A luxurious and savory dish that’s elegant enough for dinner guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
This recipe guide walks you through creating a creamy mashed potato base topped with savory garlic shrimp—an indulgent, restaurant-style dish right from your kitchen.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes and Shrimp
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes meet buttery shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon, and herbs. This dish delivers an irresistible mix of comfort and coastal flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
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2½ lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
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½ cup unsalted butter
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¾ cup heavy cream (warm)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: 2 garlic cloves (boiled with potatoes for extra flavor)
Garlic Butter Shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparing Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place peeled potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Mash the potatoes while still hot. Stir in butter and warm cream. Season with salt and pepper until silky and smooth. Cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower heat, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then drizzle in lemon juice and stir to coat shrimp in the sauce. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and top with garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings
Serves: 4 as a main dish
Presentation & Decoration
Garnish Ideas:
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Fresh parsley or chives
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Lemon wedges for brightness
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
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Add a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal
Best Time to Eat
Romantic Dinners: Elegant and satisfying
Special Occasions: Great for date nights or family gatherings
Weeknight Comfort: Quick enough for cozy dinners
Portion Guide
Individual: 1 cup mashed potatoes + 4–5 shrimp
Group: Double for dinner parties or holiday feasts
Storage & Shelf Life
Refrigeration: Store shrimp and potatoes separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Freezing: Mashed potatoes freeze well; shrimp best eaten fresh
Reheating: Warm mashed potatoes with a splash of cream; reheat shrimp gently in a skillet
Allergy Guide
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives
Low-Carb Option: Serve shrimp over mashed cauliflower instead
Tried this mashed potatoes and shrimp recipe? Share your photos and tweaks—we love seeing your homemade creations!
Anna Reed is a passionate baker and self-taught cook who turned her love for food into a way of life. Growing up surrounded by the rich flavors of homemade meals, she developed a deep appreciation for traditional recipes and the art of baking from scratch. Now, she enjoys experimenting with new flavors, perfecting old-fashioned techniques, and sharing her creations with friends and neighbors who can’t resist the aroma of fresh bread or a warm pie. When she’s not in the kitchen, Anna loves visiting local markets, learning about seasonal ingredients, and finding inspiration in the simple joys of good food and great company.