If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels indulgent but comes together in a snap, this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Picture delicate, flaky salmon fillets paired with sweet, tender shrimp—both enveloped in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses without stress, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions when you want something elegant yet comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each item plays an essential role—bringing layers of flavor, texture, and richness that make the dish unforgettable and well balanced.
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen salmon for tender, flavorful fish without fuss.
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These add a sweet, succulent bite that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the seafood to a perfect golden crust without sticking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish and shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color): Adds a subtle warm tone and a hint of smokiness to make your dish pop visually.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the rich base for the creamy garlic sauce with silky smoothness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic intensifies the flavor, offering that irresistible aromatic punch.
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds depth and a slight tang, balancing the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, bringing luxurious texture and richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty flavor that helps thicken the sauce effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gently whispers hints of herbs like oregano and basil.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity, cutting through the cream.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Seafood
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets and shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you want a splash of color. This simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine while adding an extra layer of flavor that will enhance the creamy garlic sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place the salmon fillets in the pan, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and perfectly cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and set aside—they’ll reunite with the sauce soon.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. Remove the shrimp and keep them next to the salmon on the plate—this way, all the seafood stays juicy and ready for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds just until it becomes fragrant but never burnt—this step is key to unlocking that deep garlic flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth or white wine, letting it simmer and reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes. Now stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety consistency.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Reheat Seafood
Add the fresh lemon juice to the sauce and taste for seasoning—adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Let everything simmer together on low heat for 2 more minutes, warming the seafood through while letting those flavors mingle perfectly.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish right before serving for a beautiful burst of green and an herbal brightness that elevates the creamy sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side can add a lovely zest for anyone wanting to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even a bed of angel hair pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Light, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also make refreshing companions to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the salmon and shrimp nestled atop a swirl of herb-infused mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. You can even plate it in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce artistically swooshed around for visual drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon and shrimp with creamy garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the seafood is delicate, it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be safely stored for a quick, delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
Freezing cooked seafood with cream sauce is not recommended as the sauce may separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed. If you wish to freeze, consider freezing the cooked seafood and sauce separately and gently reheating with fresh cream added to bring back the luscious consistency.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the seafood or breaking the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating helps restore the silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to toughen seafood and curdle creamy sauces.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can interfere with searing and sauce consistency.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
Can I prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance?
You can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately for up to a day, then gently reheat while cooking the seafood. Freshly made sauce will always taste best, but this saves time on busy nights.
What if I don’t have chicken broth or white wine?
No problem! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even a little water with a squeeze of lemon to add some acidity and depth. The flavor profile may be slightly different but still tasty.
How can I lighten this dish without losing flavor?
Try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick. You can also add more herbs or a splash of lemon juice to keep the flavor vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want comfort food that feels special and effortless. The combination of tender seafood and a rich, garlicky sauce is pure magic on the palate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again!
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Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and flavorful seafood dish featuring seared salmon and shrimp served with a luscious creamy garlic sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines tender seafood with a decadent Parmesan and garlic-infused cream sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin removed
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Seafood: Season the salmon fillets and shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using, ensuring an even coating to enhance flavor and color.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue simmering the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Add the juice of half a lemon to brighten the sauce’s flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the seafood, and simmer gently on low heat for 2 more minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm, ideally accompanied by pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Serve over your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Add fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
