Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish Recipe

There are some meals that you simply can’t stop eating once you start. The creamy, savory flavors, the perfectly cooked fish and shrimp, and that irresistible garlic sauce—it’s the kind of dish that leaves you full and satisfied but already thinking about when you can have it again. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish recipe is one of those meals. My husband and I found ourselves nearly unable to walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we couldn’t stop ourselves from eating it! It’s just that good.

This dish features succulent shrimp and tender fish, cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that’s made from scratch. The flavors blend perfectly together, creating a comforting and indulgent dinner that will leave everyone at the table wanting more. If you’re looking for a simple yet decadent meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is exactly what you need.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make this mouthwatering creamy garlic shrimp and fish dish, share tips on getting the perfect texture for the seafood, and offer ideas for pairing it with sides to complete the meal. Let’s dive into this recipe that will become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish

Rich, Flavorful Sauce
The creamy garlic sauce is rich, garlicky, and smooth with just the right amount of tang. It’s the kind of sauce that you’ll want to dip everything into—bread, veggies, or just more shrimp!

Quick and Easy to Prepare
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The whole meal can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Versatile and Customizable
Whether you prefer a specific type of fish, want to add extra spices, or have dietary preferences, this recipe is versatile. You can substitute the fish and shrimp with other types of seafood or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Impressive Enough for Guests
Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. It’s perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or impressing your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Comforting and Indulgent
There’s something about seafood cooked in a creamy sauce that feels indulgent and comforting at the same time. It’s the perfect combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a meal that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish

To make this creamy garlic shrimp and fish dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Seafood:

1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work best)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock for more flavor)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a bit of brightness)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by seasoning both the fish fillets and shrimp with salt and pepper. Make sure the fish is patted dry with a paper towel to ensure it cooks evenly. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them beforehand and pat them dry as well.

Step 2: Cook the Fish and Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish fillets first and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the fish is golden and cooked through. The fish should be flaky and tender. Remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the fish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer, then add the lemon juice, dried thyme, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Seafood and Sauce

Return the cooked fish fillets and shrimp to the skillet, gently placing them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the seafood to coat it evenly. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the seafood is fully coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish or enjoy as is!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish

This dish is hearty and indulgent enough to serve on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to complete your meal:

Rice or Quinoa: The creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The grains soak up the sauce and make each bite even more satisfying.

Steamed Vegetables: Pair the seafood with a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy, light addition to the meal.

Garlic Bread: To make it even more indulgent, serve with a side of garlic bread. The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Mashed Potatoes: For a more filling side, serve the seafood with creamy mashed potatoes. The soft, buttery potatoes complement the richness of the sauce and the seafood perfectly.

Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy seafood dish.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of creamy, garlicky sauce with tender fish and shrimp creates a balance of richness and freshness that’s irresistible.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want a restaurant-quality meal.

Customizable: You can switch up the fish or even add other seafood like scallops or mussels. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your tastes — add more lemon, more garlic, or even a dash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both indulgent and quick to make, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Fish recipe is a must-try. It’s so delicious that my husband and I could barely walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we ate so much of it (and we’re already planning to make it again)! The rich, garlicky sauce, tender shrimp, and flaky fish will quickly become a household favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your skillet, and let’s make this creamy, garlicky seafood dish tonight!

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