Cod + shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce is cozy but still elegant. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe that turns out rich, silky, and restaurant-worthy.
Creamy Garlic Cod & Shrimp
🕒 Time
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Prep: 10–15 minutes
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Cook: 20 minutes
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Total: ~30–35 minutes
🍽 Serves
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3–4 people
🛒 Ingredients
Seafood
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1 lb (450 g) cod fillets, cut into large chunks
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½ lb (225 g) raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp paprika (optional but lovely)
Sauce
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3 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t hold back 😌)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken or seafood broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Spinach or sun-dried tomatoes (if you want extra flair)
👩🍳 Directions
1. Season the Seafood
Pat cod and shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika (if using)
Set aside.
2. Sear the Cod
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
Once hot, gently add the cod pieces.
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Cook 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden
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Do not overcook — cod finishes cooking later
Remove cod from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add shrimp.
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Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque
Remove shrimp and set aside with the cod.
4. Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low.
Add to the skillet:
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Remaining 2 tbsp butter
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Minced garlic
Sauté 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t brown it).
Pour in:
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Chicken/seafood broth
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Heavy cream
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer (not a boil).
5. Make It Creamy
Stir in:
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Parmesan cheese
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Italian seasoning
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Red pepper flakes (if using)
Let sauce simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust salt & pepper.
6. Return Seafood to Sauce
Gently add cod and shrimp back into the skillet.
Spoon sauce over the seafood.
Simmer 3–4 minutes, until:
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Cod flakes easily
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Shrimp is fully cooked
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Sauce is rich and glossy
Finish with:
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Lemon juice (optional but brightens everything)
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Fresh parsley
🍝 Serving Ideas
This dish is chef’s kiss with:
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Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
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Mashed potatoes
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Rice or risotto
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Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
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Steamed broccoli or asparagus on the side
💡 Pro Tips
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If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
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Want it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Love garlic? Roast a clove or two and mash into the sauce.