A Creamy, Flavorful Seafood Dinner
Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is an elegant yet comforting seafood recipe that combines tender cod, juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, and a rich, velvety cream sauce. Finished with lemon and parsley, this easy seafood dinner delivers a balanced combination of savory, buttery, and fresh flavors.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this creamy shrimp and cod recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy family dinner, or an impressive dish for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in around 30 minutes.
- Rich and flavorful: Garlic, butter, cream, lemon, and herbs create a delicious sauce.
- Protein-rich: Cod and shrimp provide a satisfying source of protein.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Restaurant-style at home: Simple ingredients create an elegant seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 300 g (about 10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 400 g (about 14 oz) boneless, skinless cod fillets, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot or small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) white wine or seafood stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Optional Additions
You can easily customize this creamy seafood recipe with:
- Spinach or kale for extra color and nutrients
- Cherry tomatoes for a slightly sweet and tangy flavor
- Red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick
- Sliced mushrooms for extra savory flavor
- Linguine or rice for a complete meal
How to Make Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. Prepare the Seafood
Pat the shrimp and cod dry with paper towels. Season both lightly with salt and black pepper.
Drying the seafood helps it cook more evenly and prevents excess water from thinning the creamy garlic sauce.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped shallot and sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine or seafood stock. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful browned bits.
If you prefer not to use wine, seafood stock is an excellent alternative.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Avoid boiling the cream sauce vigorously, as gentle heat helps maintain a smooth texture.
5. Cook the Cod and Shrimp
Add the cod pieces to the sauce first and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.
Then add the shrimp and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Because seafood cooks quickly, avoid overcooking it. Remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the seafood is cooked through.
6. Finish the Sauce
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory flavor and richness. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Serve
Serve the creamy shrimp and cod immediately while hot.
This seafood dish is delicious over steamed rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread for soaking up the creamy
