Succulent shrimp and tender white fish simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh herbs — this one-pan seafood dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Elegant enough for guests and easy enough for weeknights, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic seafood skillet is a comforting and indulgent meal that comes together in just one pan. The combination of juicy shrimp and flaky white fish cooked in a flavorful cream sauce makes it both satisfying and versatile. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or rice, and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those who appreciate rich flavors without complicated steps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp and fish with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the fish chunks for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Repeat with the shrimp, cooking until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
6. Return the cooked seafood to the skillet and spoon the sauce over to coat. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your preferred side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 people.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• Cheese variation: Substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
• Lighter option: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Seafood mix: Add scallops or calamari along with the shrimp and fish for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s texture. Avoid overcooking to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and seafood can become tough upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, just be sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the skillet.

What type of white fish works best?

Mild, flaky fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut work well in this recipe.

Can I substitute the cream?

Yes, for a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the flavor and thickness will differ.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free bread or rice to keep the whole meal gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free butter and coconut cream in place of the dairy ingredients, but the flavor will be slightly different.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Use low to medium heat when simmering and avoid boiling the cream. Add lemon juice after the cream has thickened slightly.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of dry white wine (about 1/4 cup) can be added after sautéing the garlic for additional depth of flavor. Let it simmer briefly before adding the cream.

How do I know when the seafood is cooked properly?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done, while fish should flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the seafood and sauce ingredients ahead and cook everything just before serving.

Conclusion

The creamy garlic seafood skillet is a quick and elegant dish that showcases the natural flavors of fresh seafood enhanced by a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply want a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, this one-pan recipe delivers. Its versatility, rich taste, and simple execution make it a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

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