Creamy Garlic Seafood Skillet

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dinner that comes together in one pan, this Creamy Garlic Seafood Skillet delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender shrimp, scallops, and flaky white fish are gently cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce that’s both indulgent and elegant. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or an elevated weeknight meal, this dish proves that luxurious cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

The beauty of a seafood skillet lies in its versatility. You can mix and match seafood based on what’s fresh or available, and the creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal: Easy cleanup and simple preparation
Quick and elegant: Ready in about 25 minutes
Rich and flavorful: Creamy garlic sauce infused with seafood essence
Customizable: Use your favorite seafood or what you have on hand
Perfect for entertaining: Impressive without being fussy

Ingredients

For the Seafood:

½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ pound scallops (side muscle removed)
½ pound white fish (cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into chunks
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken or seafood broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Seafood

Pat all seafood dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Seafood

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and scallops in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside. Add fish pieces and sear briefly, turning carefully. Remove from skillet and set aside with the shrimp and scallops.

Tip: Do not overcook at this stage—the seafood will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—avoid browning the garlic.

Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the seafood to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and tender. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic seafood skillet pairs beautifully with:

Linguine or fettuccine
Steamed rice or risotto
Mashed potatoes
Crusty bread or garlic bread
Roasted asparagus or green beans

Tips for Success

Use fresh seafood when possible: Fresh seafood gives the best texture and flavor.
Avoid high heat after adding cream: Gentle simmering prevents curdling.
Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear seafood in batches if needed for even cooking.

Variations

Creamy Tuscan Seafood Skillet:
Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a Tuscan-style twist.

Dairy-Free Option:
Use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Spicy Garlic Seafood:
Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Shellfish-Only Version:
Use shrimp, mussels, and clams for a coastal-inspired dish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as seafood can become rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Seafood Skillet is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Rich, garlicky, and perfectly balanced, it’s a dish that feels indulgent while remaining easy enough for home cooks of any skill level. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed straight from the skillet with warm bread, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.