The elegance of seafood meets home-cooked comfort in these Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Packets. Each foil pouch seals in tender prawns drenched in a rich garlic cream sauce, resting atop buttery potatoes layered with gooey melted cheese. Add a side of perfectly steamed asparagus, and you have a wholesome, flavor-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, this recipe is a fantastic solution for busy nights when you want something indulgent with little cleanup. The foil method keeps every ounce of savory sauce inside, creating a meal that’s as satisfying to open as it is to devour. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve straight from the foil for a rustic yet refined dining experience.
Full Recipe:
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600g / 1.2 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5cm cubes
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1 tsp dried thyme leaves (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3/4 cup thickened / heavy cream
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2–3 tbsp butter (30–50g)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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20–24 prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3/4 to 1 cup mozzarella or any melting cheese
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2–3 bunches asparagus, trimmed and halved
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Finely chopped parsley for garnish
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Heavy-duty foil sheets (4 pieces, 18” each)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the cubed potatoes and parboil for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain.
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Toss the potatoes with salt, pepper, and thyme.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream, butter, and garlic. Microwave for 30–40 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir to combine. Let cool briefly for a thicker sauce (optional).
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Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (standard) or 180°C/350°F (fan). Alternatively, preheat a grill with the hood down to medium-high.
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Lay out the foil sheets and divide the potatoes evenly. Top with shredded cheese, then layer the prawns and asparagus on top. Drizzle generously with the cream sauce. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parsley.
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Fold the foil over the top and sides to seal the packet tightly.
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Place packets on a tray (for oven) or directly on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes for small prawns or 12 minutes for medium.
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Serve immediately upon opening – do not let sit in the packet to avoid overcooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 464 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet
If you’re looking for a simple yet luxurious meal that is packed with flavor, the Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet is a perfect choice. This recipe combines the savory richness of garlic butter shrimp, the comforting taste of cheesy potatoes, and the freshness of asparagus, all cooked together in a foil packet. Whether you’re grilling, baking in the oven, or cooking on the stove, this foil packet recipe offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious seafood dish with minimal cleanup. The unique method of cooking in foil ensures that all the delicious juices from the shrimp are sealed in, basting the potatoes and making each bite more flavorful than the last.
Why Foil Packet Cooking Works
The foil packet method, often referred to as “en papillote” in French cuisine, involves wrapping ingredients in foil and cooking them in their own juices. This method seals in moisture, flavor, and nutrients, creating a tender and flavorful dish. With the Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet, the shrimp’s natural juices mix with the cream sauce and melted cheese, creating a savory, creamy dish. The foil helps lock in the heat and allows the ingredients to cook evenly, ensuring the potatoes are perfectly tender and the shrimp are succulent and juicy.
Flavor Profile of the Dish
The combination of flavors in this recipe is what makes it so irresistible. The shrimp is bathed in a creamy garlic sauce, which provides a rich, savory base with hints of garlic and butter. The addition of mozzarella or another melting cheese adds a comforting cheesy richness to the dish, perfectly complementing the savory shrimp. The potatoes add a hearty element to the meal, absorbing the flavors from the sauce, while the asparagus adds a touch of freshness and a slight crunch. The result is a balanced dish with creamy, cheesy, and savory elements all working together to create a memorable meal.
Versatility of the Recipe
One of the best aspects of this Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet recipe is its versatility. While the original recipe calls for shrimp, you can easily swap it out for other types of seafood such as salmon or white fish. If you prefer a non-seafood option, you could use chicken or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version. The vegetables can be customized as well, with options like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. This makes it a highly adaptable recipe that can be tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Additionally, this recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of servings you need. You can prepare individual foil packets for each person, or make a large batch if you’re feeding a crowd. The cooking time remains relatively consistent, whether you’re making a few packets or many, so it’s a great option for both weeknight dinners and larger gatherings.
Perfect for Grilling, Baking, or Stovetop Cooking
Another reason this recipe is so appealing is its flexibility in cooking methods. While baking in the oven is the most common method, you can also make these foil packets on the grill. The high heat from the grill adds a smoky flavor to the dish, which enhances the overall taste. If you’re short on time or prefer cooking indoors, the stovetop method is also an option, though it results in a slightly less saucy dish due to the direct contact with heat. No matter the method you choose, the outcome will be a perfectly cooked meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Foil Packets
To ensure your Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet turns out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips:
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Use heavy-duty foil: This will prevent leaks and ensure that the juices from the shrimp and sauce stay inside the packet.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking it can make it tough. Make sure to check the shrimp at the 10-minute mark to ensure it’s just done. It should be opaque and slightly curled, but not overdone.
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Parboil the potatoes first: Potatoes need a bit of cooking time to soften, so parboiling them for about 5 minutes before adding them to the foil packets helps ensure they cook evenly.
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Experiment with different veggies: Asparagus is a great addition, but other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach can add variety and extra flavor to the dish. Just make sure the veggies are cut to a size that will cook in the same time as the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own, but there are a few side dishes that can complement it well. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add some freshness and balance the richness of the creamy shrimp and potatoes. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce from the foil packet. If you’re looking for a more substantial side, a bowl of rice or quinoa would pair nicely, absorbing the creamy sauce while adding a bit of texture to the meal.
For those who enjoy a touch of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dish for a spicy kick. This can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of complexity to the meal.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for Any Occasion
The Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity and minimal cleanup make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, but its rich and comforting flavors also make it an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings. You can easily scale the recipe to serve a larger crowd, and because everything is cooked in individual packets, it’s an easy dish to serve buffet-style or on a picnic.
Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner solution, a special treat for a celebration, or a fun recipe to try out on the grill, this foil packet dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it an essential recipe for any home cook’s repertoire.
Conclusion
The Creamy Shrimp & Cheesy Potato Foil Packet is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines the best of seafood, creamy sauce, and cheesy potatoes in a convenient and flavorful package. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a more elaborate meal for guests. With its customizable ingredients and cooking methods, it’s a dish that can be made to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you choose to bake it in the oven, grill it outdoors, or cook it on the stove, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Give it a try and experience the delightful flavors and convenience of foil packet cooking!