Garlic Butter Seared Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce & Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Butter Seared Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce served over mashed potatoes is the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant dinner—but I get to enjoy it right at home. The shrimp are juicy and garlicky, the creamy Cajun sauce is rich with bold spices, and the mashed potatoes tie everything together for a plate that’s pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and flavor-packed this dish is. The shrimp cook in just minutes, the sauce is silky with a kick of spice, and the mashed potatoes balance everything with buttery goodness. It’s great for weeknights when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the garlic butter shrimp:

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Garlic (minced)

• Unsalted butter

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• Paprika (optional, for extra color)

For the Cajun cream sauce:

• Heavy cream

• Cajun seasoning

• Garlic (minced)

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Butter

• Lemon juice

• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

For the mashed potatoes:

• Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)

• Butter

• Milk or cream

• Salt

• Garlic (optional, for garlic mashed potatoes)

Directions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:

• I peel and boil the potatoes until tender (about 15–20 minutes), then drain.

• I mash them with butter, warm milk or cream, and salt until smooth and fluffy. I keep them warm while I cook everything else.

2. Sear the shrimp:

• I pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and a little paprika.

• I heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. I remove them and set them aside.

3. Make the Cajun cream sauce:

• In the same pan, I melt more butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

• I add Cajun seasoning and stir, then pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

• I stir in Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, adjusting seasoning to taste.

• I return the shrimp to the skillet to coat them in the sauce and warm them through.

4. Assemble the dish:

• I spoon mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl, pile on the Cajun shrimp, and drizzle extra cream sauce over the top.

• I garnish with parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 20–25 minutes to cook everything, and can be ready in under 40 minutes total—perfect for a weeknight or casual dinner party.

Variations

• I sometimes add sautéed spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for color and extra nutrients.

• For a smoky twist, I use smoked paprika or add a splash of hot sauce.

• I swap mashed potatoes for grits, cauliflower mash, or rice when I want a lighter base.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm everything gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving the shrimp too long—they can turn rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure they’re thawed completely and patted dry before searing to avoid excess water in the pan.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

It can be mildly spicy depending on the brand. I start with less and add more to taste. I’ve also made my own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

What’s the best type of potato for mashing?

I prefer Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor and smooth texture, but russet potatoes work great too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes. Coconut cream works in the sauce if I want something rich without dairy, though the flavor will shift a bit.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

I let it simmer a little longer, or stir in a bit more Parmesan. If needed, I add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and simmer until thickened.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Seared Shrimp with Cajun Cream Sauce over mashed potatoes is one of those meals that feels luxurious without being complicated. It’s bold, creamy, and comforting with just the right amount of heat. Whether I’m impressing guests or just treating myself, this dish never disappoints.