Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Although this recipe is straightforward, it exudes opulent luxury. The dish's origins are a tribute to coastal France. My family quickly finished the entire pot.

Annotated Cook's Notes: This recipe becomes even quicker if you purchase shrimp that are already shelled and deveined. The original recipe specified fresh shrimp, but I opted for frozen ones and simply soaked them in cool water for 5 minutes to defrost.

Ingredients hrimp (peeled and deveined): 300 g (about 10 oz)

Cod fillets (boneless, skinless): 400 g (about 14 oz), cut into chunks

Butter: 2 tablespoons

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Garlic (minced): 4 cloves

Shallot or small onion (finely chopped): 1

Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)

White wine or seafood stock: ½ cup (120 ml)

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons

Salt and black pepper: to taste

Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons, grated

Optional Additions

Spinach or kale: for extra nutrition and color

Cherry tomatoes: for a sweet, tangy balance

Chili flakes: to add a gentle kick

Mushrooms: to bring earthiness to the creamy base

Linguine or rice: for serving the sauce as a complete meal

Directions: 1. Prepare the seafood:

2. Pat shrimp and cod dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the aromatics:

4. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Add liquid base:

6. Pour in the white wine (or seafood stock) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

7. Add the cream:

8. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken slightly (3–4 minutes).

9. Cook the seafood:

10. Add cod chunks first and cook for 3–4 minutes. Then add shrimp and cook another 2–3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and cod flakes easily.

Finish the dish:

Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately:

Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

The finished dish features flaky, tender cod and juicy shrimp bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce with a hint of citrus and herbs. The sauce is rich yet balanced — buttery, fragrant, and irresistibly smooth. Every bite brings a harmony of textures and flavors: mild sweetness from the seafood, savory depth from garlic and cream, and freshness from parsley and lemon.