If you crave a rich, indulgent seafood dinner that feels both elegant and comforting, you are going to love this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe. It perfectly brings together flaky salmon and juicy shrimp bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that’s infused with smokiness, tangy lemon, and cheesy Parmesan goodness. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a fantastic choice for anything from a cozy weeknight meal to an impressive plate for guests. Every bite bursts with flavor and creamy texture that makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, lush texture, and beautiful color. From the buttery richness of the salmon and shrimp to the zing of lemon and the mellow sharpness of Parmesan, these components come together to create magic.
- Salmon fillets: Skinless for easy cooking and a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and juicy bites that complement the salmon perfectly.
- Olive oil: The ideal fat to sear your seafood to a golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that enhance every element on your plate.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that livens up the seafood beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Provides an extra layer of garlicky aroma beyond the fresh garlic.
- Unsalted butter: Key to creating that rich, silky sauce that envelops the seafood.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh to bring vibrant flavor and aroma to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, smooth texture that clings to the fish and shrimp.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Lights up the sauce with a savory base and helps balance the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful umami boost and creamy texture as it melts into the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and cuts through the richness with a fresh zing.
- Dried or fresh parsley: Offers a pop of green and a herbal note to finish the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick of heat if you enjoy a spicy touch.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Salmon
Start by generously seasoning your salmon fillets with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. These spices not only enhance the natural flavor of the fish but also add a beautiful, fragrant crust when seared. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and just cooked through. The salmon should be tender and flaky without drying out.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet to keep all those delicious browned bits, cook your peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Once done, set them aside with the salmon, so you can bring all the flavors together later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Then toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant without browning. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Let this mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly into a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley, then season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat. Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 more minutes so the seafood can soak up those incredible flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe is ready to shine! Spoon plenty of the luscious sauce over the seafood, and get ready for the first bite packed with flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top instantly brightens the plate and adds a vibrant pop of color that’s inviting and fresh. Lemon wedges served alongside offer a lovely, optional burst of citrus that guests can squeeze to fit their taste, enhancing the garlicky butter sauce’s freshness even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, simple sides that let the salmon and shrimp steal the spotlight. Think fluffy steamed rice or buttery garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that decadent sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a nutritious crunch and a fresh contrast to the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon and shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto or cauliflower puree, allowing the creamy garlic butter sauce to mingle with the base. You can also dish it out on rustic wooden boards with crusty bread on the side for a laid-back yet wonderfully elegant presentation that invites everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon, shrimp, and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining great flavor and texture. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to best preserve the creamy sauce.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture of the salmon and shrimp might change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for optimal taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Alternatively, use a microwave at medium power and add a splash of broth or cream as needed to bring back the silky texture. Avoid high heat to keep the seafood tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the cooking and sauce consistency.
Is it okay to cook salmon with the skin on?
Yes, but for this particular Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe, using skinless fillets makes it easier to enjoy and keeps the texture consistent with the shrimp and sauce.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can try using half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, but this will slightly alter the richness and texture of the sauce. Heavy cream provides the signature creamy, thick consistency that defines this dish.
How spicy is this dish if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a small pinch and add more if you like a bit of a kick without overpowering the garlic butter flavors.
What is the best way to ensure the seafood doesn’t overcook?
Cook each component just until done—salmon should be opaque and flake easily, shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Carryover cooking happens while assembling, so remove from heat promptly to keep everything tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for impressing family and friends or treating yourself to something special. It’s the perfect harmony of easy preparation and show-stopping flavor that feels like a restaurant dish right in your own kitchen. So grab those ingredients, savor the cooking process, and get ready to fall in love with every rich, garlicky bite.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp is a decadent yet simple seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets and succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, velvety garlic butter cream sauce. The blend of smoked paprika, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice creates a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless)
- 12–16 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
Cooking Fats and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor and create a well-balanced base for the dish.
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the salmon and shrimp.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Then remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, add the unsalted butter, and allow it to melt completely, creating a rich base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors.
- Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming creamy and luscious.
- Season the Sauce: Add lemon juice, dried or fresh parsley, and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp back into the skillet, spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over them, and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and shrimp topped generously with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor if available.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best texture and taste.
- Do not overcook the salmon or shrimp to maintain their moisture and tenderness.
