Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. That is how Southern flavors settle and sing. If making ahead, store the sauce and seafood together in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

What if I do not have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or full-fat milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken. Know that the sauce will be lighter and less silky, but still delicious. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and reduce the parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast for savory depth.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before searing. Frozen seafood often releases extra water, so drying off is essential to get a good sear. If the seafood is partially frozen, the interior will stay undercooked while the outside overcooks.

How do I prevent the cream from breaking?

Keep the heat low once the cream is added. Stir gently and avoid boiling. If the sauce seems to separate, a little whisking off the heat usually brings it back together. Adding a cold pat of butter at the end can help emulsify and shine the sauce.

Can I use other fish?

Absolutely. Firm white fish like halibut or tilapia work well. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets.

Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp Skillet 2026

Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp Skillet: 30-Minute Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) Cod Fillets, chunked; 10–12 Medium Shrimp, peeled & deveined; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 3 tbsp Butter, divided; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Heavy Cream; ½ cup Chicken Broth (or seafood broth); ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated; 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional); ½ tsp Paprika; ½ tsp Italian Seasoning; ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional); 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped; ½ Lemon, juiced; Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Description

A quick yet indulgent skillet meal combining flaky cod and tender shrimp in a creamy garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

500 g (1 lb) Cod Fillets, chunked
10–12 Medium Shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp Olive Oil
3 tbsp Butter, divided
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Heavy Cream
½ cup Chicken Broth (or seafood broth)
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional)
½ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Italian Seasoning
¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
½ Lemon, juiced
Salt & Black Pepper to taste

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Instructions

Pat seafood dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear cod for 2-3 minutes per side until golden; remove.
Sear shrimp for 1 minute per side until pink; remove.
Reduce heat to medium.
Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the skillet.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Stir in cream, parmesan, mustard, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Let sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return seafood to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top.
Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to warm through.
Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Serve with rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg