SHRIMP AND COD IN CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE
An elegant and delicious one-pan dish featuring tender cod and juicy shrimp in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick gourmet dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
For the Seafood:
· 1 lb (450g) cod fillets, cut into large chunks
· ½ lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
· 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
· ½ tsp salt
· ¼ tsp black pepper
· ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
· 4 tbsp unsalted butter
· 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
· ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (or substitute chicken broth)
· 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
· ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and thyme)
· ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
· Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)
· ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
· Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
· Lemon wedges
· Cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
· Pat cod and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
· Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod chunks and sear for 2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden (they will finish cooking later). Remove to a plate.
· Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Sear shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove to the same plate.
- Make the Sauce:
· Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.
· Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
· Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
· Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
· Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
· Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish:
· Gently return seared cod and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
· Spoon sauce over the seafood and simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, until the cod flakes easily with a fork and everything is heated through.
· Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Pro-Tips for Success
· Dry Seafood: Ensures a good sear and prevents excess water from thinning the sauce.
· Don’t Overcook: Cod and shrimp cook quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they’re opaque and tender.
· Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic, not jarred, for the best flavor.
· Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
· Cream Substitute: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tbsp flour.
· No Wine? Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth plus 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Variations
· With Spinach: Add 2 cups fresh spinach to the sauce just before adding the seafood.
· With Tomatoes: Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes with the cream.
· Different Herbs: Try fresh dill or basil instead of parsley.
· Other Seafood: Substitute cod with scallops, halibut, or salmon.
What to Serve With It
· Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair.
· Grains: Jasmine rice, quinoa, or couscous.
· Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
· Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
· Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
· Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!