Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Introduction
This Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a luxurious yet approachable seafood dish that combines tender shrimp, flaky cod, and a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant‑worthy but is simple enough to prepare at home. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound cod fillets, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Prepare Seafood
Pat shrimp and cod dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Build Sauce
Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, and thyme. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Cook Seafood
Add cod chunks first, simmering until nearly cooked through (about 5 minutes).
Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, 3–4 minutes.
Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t overcook seafood: Shrimp should be just pink, and cod should flake easily.
Extra richness: Add a knob of butter at the end for a silky finish.
Wine option: Replace half the broth with white wine for depth.
Thicker sauce: Simmer longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach.
Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Herb Lovers: Swap thyme for dill or tarragon.
Low‑Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle over linguine or rice.
Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop to avoid overcooking seafood.
Not recommended for freezing (cream sauce may separate).
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and cod?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: Can I substitute another fish?
A: Haddock, halibut, or tilapia work well.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be thinner.
Nutritional Notes (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 6g
Conclusion
This Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is rich, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that will impress without stress.