Creamy Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet (Shrimp & Cod)

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Creamy Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet (Shrimp & Cod)

Description

This indulgent one-pan seafood dinner features tender, pan-seared white fish and juicy shrimp nestled in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce with herbs and a hint of lemon. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food that comes together surprisingly fast — and yes, it’s impossible not to overeat.

Perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you want to impress without stress.

 Ingredients

Seafood

  • 1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (cod, halibut, haddock), cut into chunks

  • ½ lb (225 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken or seafood broth

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Seasoning

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the seafood
    Pat fish and shrimp dry. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.

  2. Sear the fish
    Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Sear fish for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

  3. Cook the shrimp
    Add shrimp to the same pan. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the sauce
    Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Pour in broth and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and juice.

  5. Combine & finish
    Return fish and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon sauce over everything.
    Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until seafood is cooked through and sauce thickens.

  6. Garnish & serve
    Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot.

 Chef’s Notes

  • Don’t overcook seafood — it continues cooking in the sauce.

  • Sauce thickens more as it cools (which makes leftovers amazing).

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

 Pro Tips

  • Extra richness: Add 1–2 tbsp cream cheese

  • Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash

  • Pasta night: Toss with fettuccine or linguine

  • Crispy top: Sprinkle Parmesan and broil 2 minutes

 Servings

4 generous servings
(Or 2 very full, very happy adults 😅)

 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 520 kcal

  • Protein: 38 g

  • Fat: 38 g

  • Carbs: 6 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

  • Sodium: 620 mg

 Health Benefits

  • High protein for muscle and satiety

  • Omega-3 fatty acids from fish support heart and brain health

  • Low carb & keto-friendly

  • Garlic & herbs provide anti-inflammatory benefits

Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Yes! Fully thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I substitute milk for cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch if needed.

Q: What fish works best?
A: Cod, halibut, tilapia, haddock, or even salmon.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated.

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