Mediterranean Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Mediterranean Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce brings together tender white fish, juicy shrimp, and a silky garlic sauce that feels cozy without being heavy. The flavors come from simple ingredients: olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, and a light cream base that holds everything together. The seafood cooks gently in the sauce, keeping it soft and flaky while soaking up all the aromatics. The dish works well for weeknights because everything comes together in one pan and cooks quickly. It’s also nice enough to serve for guests with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables. You get the richness you expect from a creamy seafood dish but with the lighter Mediterranean balance that makes the meal satisfying without feeling too rich.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20–22 minutes
Total: 35–37 minutes
Ingredients
Seafood
1 lb cod fillets, cut into large chunks
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup vegetable or seafood broth
3/4 cup light cream or half-and-half
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Season the shrimp and cod with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the garlic and cook for a short moment until it smells aromatic.
Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook until the tomatoes soften slightly.
Pour in the broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Add the cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and gently simmering.
Lower the heat and add the cod pieces. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook for another 3–4 minutes until both are fully cooked.
Finish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve warm.
Tips
Pat the seafood dry so it browns lightly and doesn’t release too much water into the sauce.
Cut the cod into larger chunks so it stays intact during cooking.
Add the shrimp near the end since they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
Use light cream for a balanced sauce. Heavy cream works, but the dish becomes richer.
Parmesan thickens the sauce naturally. Add it slowly so it melts smoothly.
Keep the heat gentle once the cream is added. High heat can cause curdling.
Cherry tomatoes add acidity and color. If you skip them, add an extra splash of lemon.
Taste the sauce before adding seafood to make sure seasoning is balanced.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
If you want a golden top, broil the dish for a minute after cooking (oven-safe pan needed).
Variations
Spinach: Add a handful of spinach during the last minute of cooking.
Mushroom: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for a deeper flavor.
Feta Cream Sauce: Add a spoonful of crumbled feta for a tangier finish.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce.
Chili Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for heat.
Basil: Finish with fresh basil instead of parsley.
Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika for smoked for a mellow smoky taste.
Extra Lemon: Add lemon zest to brighten the sauce.
Mixed Seafood: Add scallops, mussels, or calamari for more variety.
Cream-Free Option: Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Q&A
Can I use frozen seafood? Yes. Thaw and pat dry to prevent watery sauce.
What other fish works well? Haddock, tilapia, halibut, or pollock.
Can I use heavy cream? Yes. The sauce will be richer and thicker.
Why did my sauce separate? Usually high heat or acidic ingredients added too early. Keep the heat gentle after adding cream.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh. Seafood can overcook when reheated.
How do I reheat leftovers? Warm gently on low heat with a splash of broth.
Can I add pasta? Yes. Toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
Can I make it spicy? Add chili flakes or use hot paprika.
What can I serve it with? Rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or bread.
Can I thicken the sauce more? Simmer slightly longer or add a little Parmesan.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 310
Fat: 17 g
Carbs: 7 g
Protein: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Values vary depending on cream choice and seafood type.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Shrimp and Cod in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a comforting yet balanced seafood dish that comes together easily in one pan. The mix of garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and cream gives the sauce a smooth texture without overpowering the seafood. Shrimp and cod cook quickly and stay tender when added at the right moment, and the final squeeze of lemon brings everything together. The dish works well for busy evenings but feels special enough for a weekend dinner. Serve it with something that can soak up the sauce and enjoy a warm, flavorful meal that’s both light and satisfying.