Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp Skillet: 30-Minute Dinner

Have you ever looked at a restaurant menu, spotted a decadent seafood platter, and thought, “I could never make that at home”? It’s a common misconception that perfectly seared seafood requires a culinary degree or a commercial kitchen. The truth is, some of the most luxurious meals are actually the simplest to prepare. This Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp skillet is proof that you can create a five-star dining experience in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

This dish brings together tender, flaky cod and juicy shrimp, all bathed in a rich, velvety parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pan seafood recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you are following a keto diet, looking for a high-protein meal, or just craving comfort food, this recipe hits every mark.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to sear, simmer, and serve a dish that rivals any coastal bistro. Let’s dive into how to master this Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp skillet tonight.

Ingredients List

To achieve that authentic, rich flavor, quality ingredients are key. Here is what you will need to gather before you start cooking.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

One of the best features of this recipe is its speed. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something gourmet without the wait.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes(This is about 50% faster than waiting for a pizza delivery!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Seafood

Start by ensuring your seafood is ready for the heat. Pat the cod fillets and shrimp dry with a paper towel; removing excess moisture ensures a golden sear rather than steaming the fish. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter bubbles, carefully place the cod pieces in the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a light golden crust. Remove the cod and set it aside on a plate.

Next, add the shrimp to the same hot skillet. Sear them quickly—about 1 minute per side—until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them and place them with the cod.

• Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is small, sear the seafood in two batches to ensure consistent browning.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn the sauce bitter.

Pour in the chicken (or seafood) broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan—this technique, called deglazing, lifts the flavorful browned bits left behind by the seafood into your sauce.

Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, Dijon mustard, paprika, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.

• Tip: If the sauce bubbles too aggressively, turn the heat down to low. You want a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from separating.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes. You will notice it starting to reduce and thicken slightly as the parmesan melts and integrates with the cream. The consistency should be silky and capable of coating the back of a spoon.

• Tip: If you prefer a much thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for an extra minute, but remember it will continue to thicken once removed from the heat.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked cod and shrimp (along with any juices that collected on the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the seafood to coat it evenly.

Let everything simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes. This step gently warms the seafood through and ensures the flavors meld together perfectly. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

• Tip: Avoid stirring vigorously once the fish is back in the pan, as cod is delicate and can break apart easily.

Nutritional Information

This dish is naturally high in protein and healthy fats, making it a powerhouse meal for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Net Carbs: ~5.5 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg
• Sodium: 750 mg

Note: The high protein content supports muscle maintenance, while the fat content provides sustained satiety, keeping you full for longer.

Healthier Alternatives

While this recipe is delicious as is, you might have specific dietary needs. Here are a few ways to tweak the Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp to fit your lifestyle:

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a high-quality plant-based butter or avocado oil. Replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. Omit the parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.
• Lower Fat Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. While the sauce will be slightly less thick, it cuts down the calorie count significantly.
• Add Veggies: To increase the fiber and volume, toss in two cups of fresh spinach or blanched asparagus tips during the final 2 minutes of simmering. This turns the dish into a complete meal without needing extra sides.
• Reduce Sodium: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth. Since parmesan is naturally salty, taste the sauce before adding extra salt at the table.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is half the fun of cooking. Here is how to serve this skillet to impress your family or guests:

• For the Carb Lovers: This sauce is liquid gold, so you need something to soak it up. Serve over a bed of al dente linguine, fettuccine, or fluffy mashed potatoes. A side of crusty garlic bread is also non-negotiable for dipping.
• For Low-Carb/Keto: Pair this with zucchini noodles (zoodles), steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice. The creamy sauce coats vegetables beautifully, making them taste indulgent.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs excellently with the richness of the cream and the delicate flavor of the cod.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, small details can impact the final result. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. If left on the heat too long, they turn rubbery and tough. Solution: Remove them as soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.
• Breaking the Sauce: Boiling a cream-based sauce on high heat can cause it to separate (curdle). Solution: Keep the heat at a medium-low simmer once the dairy is added.
• Soggy Fish: If the fish isn’t dried properly before searing, it will steam instead of sear. Solution: Be diligent about patting the fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Using Garlic Powder: While convenient, powder lacks the punchy aroma needed here. Solution: Stick to fresh minced garlic for that authentic bistro flavor.

Storing Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here is how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store the cooled seafood and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: It is generally not recommended to freeze this dish. Cream sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed, and the texture of the cod may degrade.
• Reheat: Low and slow is the rule. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overheat the shrimp, making them rubbery.

Conclusion

There you have it—a restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp skillet that comes together in less time than it takes to set the table. This recipe combines the best of ease and elegance, offering a savory, creamy, and zesty flavor profile that appeals to everyone.

Whether you are cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or meal-prepping for a keto diet, this dish is a versatile winner. The combination of tender seafood and rich garlic sauce is truly timeless.

Try it out and let us know! Did you add spinach? Did you swap the cod for salmon? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, healthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use frozen cod and shrimp?

Yes, absolutely. Frozen seafood is often frozen at peak freshness and works great. However, you must thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. It is critical to pat them very dry after thawing to ensure they sear properly rather than steam.

Q2. Can I substitute the cod with another fish?

Certainly. If you cannot find cod, any firm white fish will work well. Halibut, tilapia, mahi-mahi, or sea bass are excellent substitutes. You could even use salmon cubes, though the flavor profile will be richer. Just adjust the searing time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Q3. Is this recipe spicy?

As written, the recipe has a very mild kick from the optional red pepper flakes. If you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the flakes entirely. conversely, if you love heat, feel free to increase the amount to ½ teaspoon or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Q4. Can I make this dairy-free but still creamy?

Yes. As mentioned in the “Healthier Alternatives” section, full-fat canned coconut milk is the best substitute for heavy cream to maintain thickness. Use nutritional yeast to mimic the parmesan flavor. Note that coconut milk will impart a slight coconut flavor, which actually pairs quite nicely with shrimp and lime (instead of lemon).

Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp Skillet: 30-Minute Dinner

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Cod and Shrimp skillet is proof that you can create a five-star dining experience in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. This one-pan recipe brings together tender, flaky cod and juicy shrimp, all bathed in a rich, velvety parmesan sauce. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for keto diets, high-protein needs, or just pure comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or seafood broth)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/2 Lemon, juiced
• To taste Salt & Black Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep and Sear: Pat seafood dry and season with salt/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.
2. Make Sauce: 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.
3. Simmer: Let sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and silky.
4. Combine: Return seafood (and plate juices) 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

• Dry Seafood: Patting the fish and shrimp dry is crucial for getting a good sear instead of steaming them.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the seafood in batches if your pan is small to ensure proper browning.
• Gentle Heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a boil, to prevent the dairy from separating.
• Delicate Fish: Once the cod is back in the pan, avoid vigorous stirring so the flakes stay intact.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Dinner, Seafood
• Method: Skillet, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg