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shrimp and white fish (likely cod) in a creamy garlic sauce

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Servings: 4
Intensity: Medium (active stove-top cooking required)

This restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Butter Cod & Shrimp is the ultimate quick and elegant seafood dinner. Tender, flaky cod and succulent shrimp are bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of white wine. It’s incredibly flavorful, deceptively simple to make, and ready in just over 30 minutes. Perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) cod fillets, patted dry

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or seafood broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Season & Dredge the Fish

Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dust both sides with flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a slight crust and thickens the sauce later.

2. Sear the Cod

In a large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel), heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the cod fillets. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Carefully remove the cod to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the same skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the shrimp and place them with the cod.

4. Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.

Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half.

Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.

5. Combine & Finish

Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Return the cooked cod and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes on low heat.

6. Serve Immediately

Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

  • Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to cook with wine, use an equal amount of seafood or chicken broth, plus an extra teaspoon of lemon juice.

  • Herb Variations: Fresh dill or thyme are excellent additions or substitutes for the Italian seasoning.

  • Preventing Overcooking: Seafood cooks quickly! Remove the cod and shrimp from the pan just as they become opaque to keep them tender.

  • Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream for a different, slightly lighter profile.

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair pasta.

  • With Grains: Serve atop a bed of steamed rice, risotto, or creamy polenta.

  • With Vegetables: Perfect alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple garden salad.

  • For Dipping: Don’t forget warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up the sauce!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, sauce only, without pasta or sides)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Total Fat: 37g

  • Saturated Fat: 22g

  • Cholesterol: 320mg

  • Sodium: 580mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

  • Sugars: 2g

  • Protein: 38g

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