(Luxurious • One-Pan • Restaurant-Style • Comfort Food)
Quick Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet is a rich, silky, one-pan dish featuring tender white fish and juicy shrimp seared to perfection, then gently simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s indulgent yet balanced, deeply flavorful without being heavy, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Think restaurant-quality seafood—made easily at home.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients List
Seafood
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, haddock, or tilapia), cut into large chunks
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Seafood
Pat fish and shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
This step ensures proper browning and prevents watery sauce.
2. Sear the Fish
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add fish pieces and sear 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
Remove gently and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink.
Remove and set aside with the fish.
4. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium.
Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in broth and simmer 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
5. Make It Creamy
Stir in cream, Parmesan, thyme, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Do not boil—gentle heat keeps the sauce silky.
6. Return Seafood to the Pan
Nestle fish and shrimp back into the sauce.
Spoon sauce over the seafood and simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Fish: Tender, flaky, buttery
- Shrimp: Juicy, lightly seared
- Sauce: Creamy, garlicky, rich but balanced
- Flavor: Savory, comforting, subtly herbed
Serving Suggestions
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- With crusty bread to soak up sauce
- Alongside roasted asparagus or green beans
- Toss with pasta for a seafood Alfredo-style meal
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 days, airtight
- Reheating: Low heat only—avoid microwaving on high
- Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate)
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning
- Lemon Cream: Add lemon zest + extra lemon juice
- Cheesy Boost: Add more Parmesan or a touch of cream cheese
- Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles
Why This Recipe Works
- Searing locks in moisture
- Butter + cream create a stable emulsion
- Garlic and Parmesan add depth without overpowering seafood
- One-pan cooking preserves flavor and texture
