If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures, you have to try this Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe. It masterfully combines juicy, spice-rubbed seafood with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp-tender green beans. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of spice, creaminess, and freshness that makes this dish a true showstopper for any weeknight or special gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brilliantly uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary meal. Each element plays a crucial role: the Cajun spices bring that smoky heat, the heavy cream lends luscious smoothness to the sauce, and the fresh vegetables add vibrant color and crunch.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun spices wonderfully.
- Salmon fillets (2): Rich, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with bold seasonings and creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a lovely sear with a subtle fruity note.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of spices delivering that signature smoky, spicy kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the garlic flavor beyond the fresh minced garlic.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the savory flavor profile without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon each): Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup for potatoes): Adds richness and helps build that creamy sauce and fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Fresh garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the indulgent base for the luscious garlic cream sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds a savory background to lighten and balance the cream.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty notes.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A bright, herbaceous garnish that freshens each bite.
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): The heart of the mashed potatoes, providing a velvety, creamy base.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Used to achieve smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Fresh green beans (2 cups, trimmed): A crisp, vibrant vegetable that balances the richness and adds texture.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Seafood
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for later steps. Mix your Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl — this blend will deliver a perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors. Rub this mixture evenly over the shrimp and salmon fillets, ensuring every bite bursts with seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down to crisp up the skin, cooking about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside while the skillet is still hot.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp and cook them 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. They’ll soak up the delicious pan flavors. Set the shrimp aside with the salmon, getting ready to incorporate them back into the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky scent. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a rich and creamy sauce ready to coat your seafood.
Step 5: Simmer Seafood in Sauce
Return the shrimp and salmon to the pan, spooning the garlicky cream sauce over them. Reduce heat to low and allow the seafood to simmer gently in the sauce while you prepare your sides — this step ensures every morsel is infused with that luscious flavor.
Step 6: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Put the diced potatoes into a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender — about 10 to 12 minutes — then drain thoroughly. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until silky smooth and creamy. The mashed potatoes offer a perfect base to soak up that decadent sauce.
Step 7: Prepare the Green Beans
Boil a separate pot of water and cook the trimmed green beans for 4 to 5 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green and crisp. Drain them well, making sure they retain their delightful texture and color to brighten your plate.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the garlic cream sauce. A little extra freshly cracked black pepper over the top is a nice touch too if you like an added layer of spice.
Side Dishes
This recipe already includes fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans as sides, which perfectly balance the creamy, spicy seafood. If you want to add more variety, consider a simple mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, to keep the meal vibrant and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the Cajun shrimp and salmon nestled atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with the green beans arranged artistically on the side. Spoon extra garlic cream sauce over everything to make the plate look luscious and inviting. For a homey touch, use rustic wooden boards or colorful plates to bring the vibrant dish to life visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days. Store the seafood separately from the mashed potatoes if possible, to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing seafood dishes can be tricky due to texture changes, but you can freeze the mashed potatoes and green beans easily. Place them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For the seafood and garlic cream sauce, it’s best to consume fresh or refrigerate rather than freeze to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the seafood and garlic sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Microwave the mashed potatoes and green beans on medium power, stirring occasionally to maintain even warmth. Add a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes if they dry out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning. This will ensure that the seafood sears beautifully and doesn’t steam in the pan.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the garlic cream sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour added to help thicken the sauce, but the texture won’t be as rich and silky as with heavy cream. For best results, stick with heavy cream if possible.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning brings a mild to moderate spice level that adds warmth and depth without overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount to your preference or use a milder seasoning blend if you prefer less spice.
Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead and reheated gently with a bit of milk or butter stirred in to refresh their creamy texture before serving.
What’s the best way to keep green beans vibrant and crisp?
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for just a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. This preserves their bright green color and crisp texture perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare. The rich, creamy sauce paired with flavorful Cajun-seasoned seafood, alongside comforting potatoes and fresh green beans, makes for a winning combination that will impress everyone at your table. Give this recipe a go and let it bring a burst of warmth, aroma, and satisfaction to your dinner routine—you’re going to love it!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon recipe features succulent seafood seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, cooked to perfection in a garlic cream sauce. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans, this dish offers a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Green Beans
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to have it ready for any finishing touches or warming if needed.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Season Seafood: Rub the Cajun seasoning evenly over the peeled shrimp and salmon fillets to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing seafood.
- Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Flip Salmon: Turn the salmon fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and cooked through.
- Set Salmon Aside: Remove cooked salmon from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
- Cook Shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Set Shrimp Aside: Remove shrimp from the skillet and place them with the cooked salmon.
- Melt Butter: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat to prepare for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the butter in the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return Seafood to Sauce: Place the cooked shrimp and salmon back in the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
- Simmer on Low: Reduce heat to low and let the seafood simmer gently in the garlic cream sauce to meld flavors while preparing sides.
- Boil Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and return to pot; add milk, butter, salt, and black pepper, mashing until smooth and creamy.
- Keep Potatoes Warm: Set mashed potatoes aside, keeping them warm for serving.
- Boil Green Beans: Bring another pot of water to a boil, add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp and bright green.
- Drain Green Beans: Drain and set aside.
- Plate Dish: Spoon mashed potatoes on plates, top with salmon fillet and shrimp, then spoon garlic cream sauce over the seafood.
- Add Green Beans: Arrange green beans on the side of each plate as a fresh, vibrant vegetable component.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add freshness and color.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but will be less rich.
- To keep mashed potatoes warm longer, cover with a lid or foil.
- Be careful not to overcook green beans to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
