Intro
This Shrimp and Mussels in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Juicy shrimp and tender mussels are simmered in a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and herbs — perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop!
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
🍳 Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional — use chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix oregano, basil, thyme)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Seafood: Use fresh or frozen shrimp and mussels; if frozen, thaw and pat dry.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce velvety — avoid using milk or light cream.
- Wine: Adds depth; replace with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated gives the best flavor and creamy texture.
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Seafood
Rinse mussels under cold water and discard any that are open and don’t close when tapped. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Mussels
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
Add mussels and ½ cup white wine. Cover and steam for 5–6 minutes, until mussels open.
Remove mussels with a slotted spoon and set aside (discard any unopened).
Step 3: Cook Shrimp
In the same pan, melt another 1 tablespoon butter.
Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp and set aside with mussels.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the same pan.
Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return shrimp and mussels to the pan.
Toss gently to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. 🍋
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Over linguine or fettuccine for a full meal
- With toasted garlic bread to soak up the sauce
- On top of rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner
🍴 Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 of 4)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- For a lighter sauce, use half cream and half broth.
- Want extra richness? Stir in a splash of white wine or lemon juice before serving.
- Make it spicy by adding extra chili flakes or cayenne.