Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A Luxurious 30-Minute Meal!

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both rich and satisfying, this Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect recipe. Juicy, pan-seared salmon and tender shrimp are bathed in a creamy garlic-infused sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

The best part? It’s ready in 30 minutes or less, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, decadent meal.

Let’s dive into this irresistible dish!

Description

This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick, one-pan meal that combines crispy, flaky salmon and succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. With hints of butter, lemon, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salmon and Shrimp:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or off)
• ½ lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel for a better sear.
2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
5. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

6. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed.
7. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper.
8. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

9. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
11. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
12. Add the lemon juice and fresh thyme, stirring well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

13. Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top.
14. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

15. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce before serving.
• Prefer a thicker sauce? Simmer a little longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Want a lighter version? Use half & half instead of heavy cream.
• Use fresh seafood when possible! It makes a huge difference in flavor.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Seafood
• Diet: Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
• Keywords: salmon and shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, seafood dinner, one-pan meal

Helpful Tips for the Best Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Want to make sure your Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce turns out perfectly flavorful, rich, and restaurant-quality? Follow these pro tips for the best results!

1. Get a Perfect Sear on the Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning—it helps create a golden crust.
• Use a hot pan and don’t move the salmon while it sears for the first few minutes.
• If using skin-on salmon, cook skin-side down first for extra crispiness.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

• Shrimp cook fast—just 1–2 minutes per side is enough.
• Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.

3. Build Flavor in Layers

• Deglaze the pan after searing the seafood by adding broth or white wine. This helps lift up all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
• Sauté garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness.

4. Make the Sauce Extra Creamy and Flavorful

• Use heavy cream for the richest sauce, but half & half works for a lighter version.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually so it melts smoothly.
• For an even silkier sauce, add a small knob of butter at the end.

5. Balance the Flavors

• Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream—don’t skip it!
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering.

6. Make It One-Pan for Easy Cleanup

• Cook everything in the same skillet to keep all the flavors in one place.
• If needed, wipe out excess oil after searing the salmon before starting the sauce.

7. Serve with the Right Side Dishes

This dish pairs well with:

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair)
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed or roasted veggies (asparagus, spinach, broccoli)
• Rice or quinoa for a lighter option

8. Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce

• If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of broth or milk.

9. Store and Reheat Properly

• Store leftovers separately to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat gently over low heat—avoid microwaving at high power, as it can separate the sauce.

10. Add Extra Ingredients for More Depth

• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy-sweet touch.
• Spinach or mushrooms make the sauce even heartier.
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme enhance the flavors beautifully.

Conservation and Storage for Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

To keep your Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce fresh and flavorful, follow these storage and reheating tips.

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)

• Let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Store salmon, shrimp, and sauce separately in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing)

• Can I freeze this dish?
  • Salmon and shrimp: Yes, they freeze well!
  • Creamy sauce: Not ideal—cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated.
• How to freeze:
  1. Store salmon and shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  2. If you must freeze the sauce, stir it well after reheating and consider adding fresh cream to restore texture.

Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop (Best Method for Flavor & Texture)

• Heat a nonstick pan over low-medium heat.
• Add the sauce with a splash of broth, cream, or milk to thin it out.
• Gently warm the seafood for 2–3 minutes, flipping once.

2. Oven (Great for Even Heating)

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Place salmon in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
• Heat the sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

3. Microwave (Quick but Risky for Texture)

• Place seafood and sauce in a microwave-safe dish.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring the sauce in between to prevent separation.
• Be careful not to overheat, or the shrimp and salmon may become rubbery.

Tips for Best Storage & Reheating

Store salmon and shrimp separately from the sauce for better texture.
Add a splash of liquid (broth, milk, or cream) when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent overcooking the seafood.

Substitutions and Variations for Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Want to customize your Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce to fit your taste or dietary needs? Try these easy swaps and creative variations!

Protein Swaps

• Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a poultry version.
• Scallops – Pan-seared scallops add a luxurious touch.
• Tilapia, Cod, or Halibut – Swap salmon for a milder white fish.
• Lobster or Crab – A more indulgent seafood upgrade.
• Tofu or Tempeh (Vegan Option) – Pan-fried tofu or tempeh works great with the creamy sauce.

Dairy-Free and Lighter Alternatives

• For a dairy-free sauce:
  • Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Swap nutritional yeast for Parmesan to keep it creamy and flavorful.
• For a lighter sauce:
  • Use half & half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Add Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with extra protein.

Flavor Boosters & Add-Ins

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a tangy, umami kick.
• Spinach or Kale – Stir in for extra greens.
• Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms bring earthiness to the sauce.
• Capers – A briny, salty contrast to the creamy sauce.
• White Wine – Deglaze the pan with wine for extra depth.
• Fresh Herbs – Basil, thyme, or oregano brighten up the dish.

Different Serving Ideas

• With Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair for a creamy seafood pasta.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: A hearty base to soak up the sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes pair perfectly.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.

Spicy & Bold Variations

• Spicy Cajun Version: Add Cajun seasoning to the salmon and shrimp for a Southern-style twist.
• Lemon-Garlic Herb Version: Increase the lemon juice and add fresh parsley and dill for a brighter flavor.
• Creamy Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for an Italian-inspired version.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp & Salmon: Skip the cream and use a garlic butter sauce instead for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?

Yes! Thaw shrimp and salmon overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking.

2. How do I get crispy salmon skin?

• Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon.
• Cook skin-side down first for at least 4–5 minutes before flipping.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

• The sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently to avoid separation.

4. What’s the best side dish for this meal?

• Mashed potatoes, pasta, or garlic rice
• Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach

5. Can I make the sauce without cream?

Yes! Substitute with coconut milk or a mix of Greek yogurt and broth for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner. The combination of crispy salmon, tender shrimp, and rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce is truly irresistible.

Print