Introduction
Shrimp and mussels in creamy garlic sauce is a rich and flavorful seafood dish that combines tender shrimp, briny mussels, and a velvety sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and white wine. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or seafood broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
• Rinse and clean the mussels, discarding any with broken shells or that don’t close when tapped.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes until softened and fragrant.
• Add white wine, bring to a simmer, and steam the mussels until they open. Remove opened mussels and discard any that stay closed.
• Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, and the cooked mussels. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the seafood.
• Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or pasta.
How to Make
Start by cleaning and steaming the mussels to ensure freshness and flavor. Sauté garlic and onion for an aromatic base, then simmer seafood in wine and cream to build a luscious sauce. Finishing with Parmesan and lemon gives the dish richness and balance.
⸻
Variations
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra freshness.
• Swap mussels with clams or scallops for variety.
• Infuse the sauce with saffron or paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
⸻
Tips
• Always discard mussels that don’t open after cooking.
• Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery quickly.
• For extra depth, reduce the wine slightly before adding the cream.
• Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
⸻
Conclusion
Shrimp and mussels in creamy garlic sauce is a delicious, comforting seafood dish that delivers both luxury and ease. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s the perfect recipe to impress family or guests with minimal effo