Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce – A Luxurious Yet Easy Seafood Delight
Few dishes strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort quite like Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce. This recipe combines tender, flaky cod and succulent shrimp with a rich, velvety garlic-infused sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.
Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, this creamy seafood recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✔️ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✔️ Restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
✔️ Rich, creamy garlic sauce that perfectly complements seafood.
✔️ Customizable – add spinach, mushrooms, or chili flakes for variation.
✔️ Healthy indulgence – rich in protein, omega-3s, and nutrients.
This is the kind of dish that tastes like something you’d order at a fine coastal bistro, yet it’s simple enough for a cozy dinner at home.
A Touch of Coastal Inspiration
The Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce draws from French and Mediterranean coastal cuisines, where the marriage of seafood, cream, and wine is a timeless culinary tradition. In Provence and other seaside regions, local cooks transform the freshest catch into velvety stews and sauces infused with garlic, butter, and herbs.
This recipe captures that same spirit — combining fresh seafood with rich cream, fragrant garlic, and bright lemon for balance. It’s a celebration of the sea in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves: 4
- 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 400 g (14 oz) cod fillets, boneless and skinless, 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 lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds depth)
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh spinach or kale for a nutrient boost
- Cherry tomatoes for a tangy-sweet balance
- Chili flakes for a touch of heat
- Mushrooms for earthy richness
- Serve with linguine, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
Pat shrimp and cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both lightly with salt and black pepper.
Drying ensures the seafood sears instead of steaming, helping to preserve texture and flavor.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic — be careful not to brown it.
3. Add the Wine or Stock
Pour in the white wine (or seafood stock) to deglaze the pan.
Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom — that’s where the flavor lives!
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the taste.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Do not boil — simmering gently keeps the sauce smooth and creamy.
5. Cook the Seafood
Add the cod chunks first, as they take a bit longer to cook.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then gently add the shrimp.
Cook another 2–3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and opaque and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Avoid overcooking — seafood continues to cook slightly even after being removed from heat.
6. Finish the Sauce
Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
The lemon brightens the creamy base, balancing the richness with a refreshing finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the shrimp and cod in creamy garlic sauce immediately — hot and fragrant.
Pair with:
🍚 Steamed rice or garlic butter rice
🍝 Linguine or fettuccine for a pasta version
🥖 Crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce
Description of the Dish
The finished dish showcases tender, flaky cod and juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce kissed with lemon and herbs. Each bite balances buttery richness with ocean freshness — the sweetness of seafood, the depth of garlic, and the silky texture of cream.
It’s comfort food with a touch of class — elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a cozy night in.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Seafood
✅ Don’t overcook the seafood – both shrimp and cod turn rubbery if cooked too long.
✅ Use fresh garlic – its aroma and depth elevate the sauce.
✅ Deglaze the pan – scraping up browned bits enhances flavor complexity.
✅ Simmer gently – boiling cream can cause it to separate.
✅ Balance with lemon – acidity cuts through richness beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
(Values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used.)
Pairing Recommendations
Serve this creamy seafood dish with:
🥗 A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
🍷 A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
🥖 Garlic bread or herbed rice to mop up the sauce.
For a full meal, pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans — their lightness complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Healthful Indulgence
While this dish feels luxurious, it’s also packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals from the seafood.
To make it lighter:
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream.
- Add spinach or kale for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Use olive oil only for a heart-healthy fat option.
It’s proof that indulgence can be both wholesome and balanced — the ideal harmony between health and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. With its rich, velvety sauce, delicate seafood, and bright lemon finish, it’s a dish that brings a touch of the coast to your kitchen.
Elegant, nourishing, and unforgettable — it’s the kind of meal that makes any dinner feel special.