A rich, velvety seafood dish featuring tender shrimp and fresh mussels simmered in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for serving with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this comforting recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is elegant yet effortless, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The creamy garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and mussels, creating a balanced and luxurious flavor. It cooks quickly, requires minimal prep, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 500 g fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 150 ml seafood stock (halal alternative to wine)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse the mussels under cold water. Scrub the shells and remove any beards. Discard mussels that remain open after tapping or those with cracked shells.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the seafood stock, then add the mussels. Cover with a lid and steam for 4–5 minutes, or until most shells open. Discard any mussels that do not open.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently and allow the sauce to warm and thicken slightly without boiling.
6. Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
7. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve immediately with bread, pasta, or rice, and garnish with additional parsley.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Use calamari rings or chunks of firm white fish instead of shrimp.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for deeper flavor.
• Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding chili paste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or stock to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating. Mussels and shrimp should not be reheated repeatedly, so warm only once.

FAQs

How Do I Know If Mussels Are Fresh?

Fresh mussels smell clean and briny, not fishy. Their shells should be tightly closed or close when tapped.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Or Mussels?

Yes, thaw them completely and drain well before cooking.

What Can I Use Instead Of Heavy Cream?

Coconut cream or evaporated milk can substitute, though the texture will vary slightly.

Can I Make This Dish Without Seafood Stock?

Yes, you can use vegetable or chicken stock, but seafood stock provides the best flavor.

Why Did My Cream Sauce Separate?

Cream can split when boiled. Keep the heat low once the cream is added.

Can I Serve This Over Pasta?

Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all pair beautifully with the sauce.

Should I Remove Mussels From The Shells Before Serving?

You can leave them in the shells for presentation or remove them for easier eating.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work very well.

How Do I Prevent Overcooking The Shrimp?

Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and slightly curled, typically 2–3 minutes.

What If Some Mussels Don’t Open After Cooking?

Discard them. Closed mussels after cooking are not safe to eat.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic shrimp and mussels dish offers rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and quick preparation. It brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying and elegant meal suited for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, flavorful seafood experience at home.

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