Creamy garlic seafood skillet is a rich, elegant dish made with tender fish fillets, juicy shrimp, and a silky garlic cream sauce. The seafood in the image looks perfectly seared—golden on the outside, moist on the inside—and bathed in a luxurious, herb-infused sauce. This recipe is ideal for special dinners, weekend meals, or when you want something restaurant-quality without the complexity.
With a smooth texture, buttery flavor, and aromatic herbs, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. It’s simple, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 400 g white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or haddock), cut into chunks
- 300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup fish stock or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or parsley
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Seafood
Pat the fish and shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fish chunks and sear for about two minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Add the shrimp and sear until they turn pink, about one minute per side. Remove and set aside with the fish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for two to three minutes.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to create a smooth sauce. Add paprika, pepper, dried dill or parsley, and salt. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 4: Return the Seafood
Place the seared fish and shrimp back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer gently for five minutes to allow the flavors to blend without overcooking the seafood.
Step 5: Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Texture and Flavor
This creamy seafood skillet offers a luxurious mix of textures. The fish is tender and flaky, the shrimp is juicy and slightly firm, and the sauce is rich and velvety. Garlic and butter create a deep, aromatic base, while the cream gives the dish its comforting richness.
Paprika adds warmth without overpowering the seafood. Herbs like dill or parsley add freshness, balancing the richness of the sauce.
The flavor is elegant yet simple—fresh seafood in a creamy, garlicky sauce that enhances rather than masks the natural taste.
Tips for Best Results
Dry the seafood before cooking to ensure proper searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as seafood releases moisture and may steam instead of brown.
Cook the fish and shrimp separately, as they have different cooking times. Add them back into the sauce only at the end to prevent overcooking.
Use heavy cream for the creamiest texture. Lighter creams may curdle or separate.
Add lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors without curdling the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy seafood skillet pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed rice or pilaf
- Pasta or linguine
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh baguette or garlic bread
A crisp green salad makes a refreshing side that balances the richness of the sauce.
Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be customized:
- Add scallops or mussels for a mixed seafood version
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a tropical twist
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
- Replace fish stock with vegetable broth
You can also add grated parmesan for a cheesy version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood or curdling the sauce.
Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces can separate when thawed.
Why This Recipe Works
This creamy garlic seafood skillet works because it uses simple techniques to create a rich, restaurant-quality dish. Searing the seafood locks in moisture and adds flavor. The garlic cream sauce is quick to prepare and highly flexible. The combination of butter, cream, herbs, and tender seafood creates a dish that feels gourmet without requiring complicated steps.
It’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or special gatherings. The flavors are comforting yet refined, making it a timeless recipe that can be enjoyed again and again.