If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, the Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon and juicy shrimp in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s perfectly rich but never overwhelming. Every bite bursts with bright lemon notes and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, making it both comfort food and a little celebration rolled into one. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough for a weeknight treat, guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. The seafood’s freshness shines against the creamy sauce, while herbs and spices bring it all to life.
- 2 salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for best flavor and texture.
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, succulent contrast to the salmon.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the seafood to a beautiful golden crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Creates the perfect base for your creamy garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that’s the soul of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Provides the perfect acidic balance to cut through the richness.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Seafood
Start by generously seasoning both the salmon fillets and shrimp with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the natural flavors and ensures each bite is perfectly balanced. Don’t rush—taking the time here makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside; this keeps the fillets tender while you prepare the rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Using the same skillet helps retain all the delicious flavors left behind from the salmon. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. Set them aside with the salmon once done.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
To the skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant—usually about a minute. Then, pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as the sauce gently simmers for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a silky, dreamy texture.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon the luscious cream over the seafood, letting everything heat together for another 2 minutes. This step marries the flavors and ensures every piece is coated in that irresistible garlic goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Lemon
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and drizzle with the juice of one lemon. These final touches add a burst of color and a refreshing zing that elevates the entire recipe.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not only visually inviting but also adds a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. A light squeeze of lemon right before eating brightens each bite and highlights the seafood’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Roasted potatoes or a crisp garden salad also make excellent companions, adding variety in texture and complementing the creamy seafood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the salmon and shrimp right in the skillet on the table to create a warm, rustic vibe. Alternatively, plate the seafood atop a bed of fettuccine or creamy mashed potatoes for a more decadent presentation. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of lemon peel can add an elegant final flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salmon and shrimp with creamy garlic sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing its flavor or texture too much.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of both the seafood and the cream sauce. However, if needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with short bursts to avoid curdling the sauce or overcooking the delicate seafood. Adding a splash of cream or water can help refresh the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and season properly before cooking to get the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. If you prefer less spice, feel free to reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
Using half-and-half or milk will thin the sauce and change the texture. For the best creamy consistency, it’s recommended to stick with heavy cream.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on thickness, so watch carefully for these signs.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance, but reheat gently and add seafood just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is truly a delightful way to bring a little elegance and comfort to your weeknight meals or special occasions. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a winner every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for it as a favorite in your recipe rotation, ready to impress friends and family with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Print
Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious, creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with tender salmon fillets and succulent shrimp in this quick and easy skillet seafood recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes for an elegant yet simple dinner that combines rich flavors and healthy protein.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Season the seafood: Season both the salmon fillets and shrimp generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
- Prepare the creamy garlic sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich texture.
- Combine seafood and sauce: Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top, gently coating the seafood. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and squeeze the juice of one lemon on top for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon or shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less thick.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over cooked rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
