Shrimp & Mussels in Creamy Garlic Sauce with Garlic Bread

 

Shrimp & Mussels in Creamy Garlic Sauce with Garlic Bread:

Ingredients

For the seafood:

1 lb (450 g) shrimp – peeled and deveined

1 lb (450 g) fresh mussels – cleaned and debearded

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing

3 tablespoons butter – divided

5 garlic cloves, minced – for depth and aroma

½ cup dry white wine – or seafood stock, for deglazing and flavor

1 cup heavy cream – to create the rich, velvety sauce

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – for salty, nutty richness

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional, for a touch of heat

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and freshness

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – for seasoning

For the garlic bread:

1 baguette or 4 ciabatta rolls – halved for serving

¼ cup butter, softened – to spread

3 garlic cloves, minced – for bold garlic flavor

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped – to brighten the butter

Pinch of salt – to balance flavors

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the garlic bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Slice the baguette or rolls in half, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides, and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 2: Cook the mussels

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat.

Add half of the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the mussels and pour in the white wine. Cover and steam for 5–6 minutes, or until the mussels open. (Discard any that remain closed.)

Transfer the mussels to a bowl, leaving the cooking juices in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp and make the sauce

In the same pan, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine and finish

Return the mussels to the pan and toss gently to coat them in the creamy garlic sauce.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.

To Serve

Serve the shrimp and mussels hot, with plenty of sauce for dipping. Pair with warm garlic bread, and finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.