If you are looking to wow your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to an incredibly delicious meal, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked salmon fillets paired with succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that just melts in your mouth. Every bite is a delightful harmony of rich, savory flavors with a subtle hint of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley to brighten things up. It’s an elegant dish that looks and tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a must-try for seafood lovers craving comfort and sophistication all on one plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each one bringing its own unique role to the table. From the creamy Parmesan and heavy cream that create the silky sauce, to the fresh garlic and lemon juice that add vibrant bursts of flavor, every element contributes to a perfectly balanced and irresistible meal.
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless): Choose fresh fillets for the best texture and flavor, seasoned to perfection for that golden crust.
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds a sweet, briny contrast that complements the salmon beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the seafood and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): The star of the sauce, giving it richness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture that clings to the seafood.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Balances the richness with bright acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the salmon a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Seafood
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this helps achieve that coveted golden crust when searing. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for a lovely color and flavor boost. This first step ensures your salmon isn’t bland and preps it for perfect searing.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a crispy exterior and juicy interior that flakes gently with a fork. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll soak up even more flavor later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add your shrimp. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn pink and curl up. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them. After they’re done, remove the shrimp and place them with the salmon for now.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir and cook about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its gorgeous aroma but doesn’t brown. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let this sauce thicken slightly over 2 to 3 minutes — it should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon that luscious sauce over everything and allow it to simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes so all the flavors meld and the seafood reheats without getting tough. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is perfect here, adding a delightful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast that cuts through the richness. If you want to get fancy, a lemon wedge on the side invites everyone to add a splash of citrus brightness just before digging in.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite indulgent, so pairing it with simple sides is wise. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic noodles soak up the sauce wonderfully, while steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide a light, refreshing balance. For those who like extra greens, wilted baby spinach stirred into the sauce adds a subtle earthiness that complements seafood beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating this dish on a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option that still lets the star ingredients shine. Or serve everything family-style on a large platter, letting guests help themselves to the salmon, shrimp, and sauce alongside fresh bread to mop up every last drop. Presentation with a scattering of extra parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice finishes the look beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best consumed within 2 days to retain freshness and flavor. Keep the sauce and seafood together to allow the flavors to continue melding, but store at a cool temperature to keep the cream sauce from spoiling.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, though the texture of the shrimp may slightly change once thawed. To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s recommended to consume within one month for optimal taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid separating the cream sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating, which can cause the sauce to separate and make the seafood tough. Adding a splash of heavy cream or broth while reheating can help restore the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can prevent proper searing and dilute the sauce.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese in the sauce?
Parmesan adds a wonderful nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, but if you’re avoiding dairy or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with nutritional yeast or simply omit it, although the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to maintain creaminess and flavor.
What’s the best way to tell when the salmon is cooked?
Look for a golden crust on the outside, and the flesh should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside. Cooking times may vary with thickness, so keep an eye on the fillets to avoid drying them out.
Can I add vegetables directly into the sauce?
Definitely! Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes stirred into the sauce during simmering add fantastic flavor and nutrition without complicating the process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgent and effortless, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Shrimp Recipe is exactly what your dinner rotation needs. It brings together the best flavors of the sea wrapped in a decadent, garlicky cream sauce that feels special yet familiar. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how impressively it tastes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a recipe you reach for time and time again!
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
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Succulent salmon fillets and tender shrimp cooked in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and fresh lemon juice. This quick stovetop seafood skillet offers a comforting yet elegant main course perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Pan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and help develop a golden crust.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if using, and cook each side for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove them and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately over your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a full and satisfying meal.
- For extra flavor, add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream sauce during simmering.
- Use skin-on salmon for a crispier texture if desired.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and taste.
