Craving something hearty yet healthy that’s ready in a flash? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with rustic mashed potatoes is the answer to weeknight dinner fatigue. With plump, juicy shrimp and sautéed bell peppers coated in garlicky butter, served alongside velvety mashed red potatoes and tender broccoli, this dish is as balanced as it is comforting. Let’s dive into this colorful and soul-satisfying recipe that brings together quick cooking and full-on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- 4 medium red potatoes, cubed with skin on
- 2 tbsp butter (for mash)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt & black pepper to taste (for mash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rustic Mashed Potatoes
- Place cubed red potatoes into a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk or cream, then mash until you reach your desired texture. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
- Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp and Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red, green, and orange bell peppers. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the veggies to the side of the pan.
- Add shrimp, butter, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Combine and Plate
- Toss the cooked veggies and shrimp together in the skillet to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Plate a generous scoop of rustic mash, a serving of broccoli, and the shrimp-veggie mix. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
- Add a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley at the end for brightness
- Swap red potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and earthy twist
- Include zucchini or snap peas for extra green crunch
- Use Cajun seasoning in place of paprika for a Southern kick
Cooking Note
- Use jumbo shrimp for a meatier bite and visual appeal
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they become rubbery quickly
- Leave the skins on the potatoes for a rustic texture and added nutrients
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect with a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also drizzle the entire plate with a touch of garlic butter or serve with a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up the saucy goodness. For a spicier experience, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce on top.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking. Mashed potatoes can be refreshed with a splash of milk. Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a microwave or steam basket.
Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Swap the butter for olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free or paleo-friendly option. Try Greek yogurt in place of cream in the mashed potatoes for added protein. You can also use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a low-carb variation without sacrificing creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp only need a few minutes—remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Undercooked potatoes: Test with a fork before mashing—if it doesn’t go through easily, keep boiling.
- Too much salt: Season in stages—taste as you go, especially when combining seasoned components.
- Skipping the garlic step: Always sauté garlic until just golden—not burnt—to build flavor depth.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe with rustic mashed potatoes and broccoli is a nourishing, flavorful, and well-rounded meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s weeknight-simple, family-approved, and easy to customize. Let this become a new favorite in your home—don’t forget to share your results and tag us with your delicious creations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Can I make the mash ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Just reheat with a little milk and butter stirred in before serving.
Q3: What can I use instead of bell peppers?
A: Try zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms for a twist in texture and flavor.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, just double-check any seasoning blends used.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy garlic butter shrimp tossed with colorful sautéed peppers and served with rustic mashed red potatoes and broccoli. A weeknight-friendly, comfort-packed meal.
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 orange bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing
4 medium red potatoes, cubed with skin on
2 tbsp butter (for mash)
1/4 cup milk or cream
Salt & black pepper to taste (for mash)
Instructions
1. Boil cubed red potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Steam broccoli florets until bright green and just tender.
3. Sauté diced bell peppers in olive oil for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Push veggies aside; add shrimp, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until shrimp are opaque.
5. Toss everything together and serve with mash and broccoli.
Notes
Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture.
Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly.
Keep the potato skins for extra flavor and nutrition.
A sprinkle of lemon juice or parsley adds brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, mashed potatoes, shrimp recipe, healthy dinner, quick shrimp