Creamy Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet

This Creamy Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 40 minutes. Featuring tender, flaky white fish and juicy shrimp bathed in a rich garlic cream sauce, this recipe is indulgent yet surprisingly simple. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want an impressive meal without complicated techniques.

The sauce is the real star—made with butter, garlic, cream, and herbs, it coats every bite with luxurious flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, making it incredibly versatile. Best of all, it fits multiple popular diets: low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, which makes it highly searched and high-CPM in food content niches.

If you love easy seafood recipes, one-pan dinners, or creamy garlic sauces, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.


Ingredients

Seafood

  • 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass)

  • ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken or seafood broth

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried parsley

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Pat the fish and shrimp dry using paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dry seafood ensures a better sear and prevents excess water from thinning the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Fish

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fish fillets and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Cook shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the fish.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and parsley. Stir gently and simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return fish and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over the seafood. Simmer gently for another 3–4 minutes until everything is cooked through. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs.


Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh seafood whenever possible for maximum flavor and texture.

  • Don’t overcook the fish—it should flake easily with a fork.

  • For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.

  • Want it dairy-free? Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast.


Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes

  • Steamed asparagus or green beans

  • Buttered pasta or linguine

  • Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option


Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.


Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)

Is creamy garlic seafood keto-friendly?
Yes. This recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.

What is the best fish for creamy seafood recipes?
Cod, halibut, sea bass, and tilapia work best because they’re mild and hold their shape in creamy sauces.

Can I make this seafood skillet ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and seafood separately up to 24 hours in advance.

How do you thicken creamy garlic butter sauce?
Use Parmesan cheese, simmer gently, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Is this a healthy seafood dinner recipe?
Yes. Seafood is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nutritious and satisfying meal when enjoyed in moderation.


High-CPM SEO Keywords Included

Creamy seafood recipe, garlic butter shrimp, easy fish dinner, keto seafood meal, low-carb dinner ideas, one-pan seafood recipe, healthy seafood dinner, gluten-free seafood, creamy garlic sauce, quick dinner recipes, seafood skillet, restaurant-style seafood, high protein dinner, easy weeknight meals

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