Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

There’s something utterly delightful about cooking with a friend—especially when you can share a recipe that brings a little bit of warmth and spice to your kitchen. Today, I want to take you on a little culinary journey through the magic of Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce. Picture this: the aroma of sautéing garlic dances through the air while succulent shrimp and salmon simmer in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a special occasion, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why should this dish find its way onto your dinner table? Well, let me tell you! First off, the flavors pack a punch. That Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth, while the creamy sauce gives it a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible. It beautifully marries the brightness of shrimp with the rich, flaky salmon, creating layers of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.

Moreover, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe doesn’t overwhelm, yet the outcome feels downright luxurious. Plus, who can resist that gorgeous presentation? A sprinkle of fresh parsley is like the cherry on top! As you pour the creamy sauce over the golden shrimp and salmon, you’ll feel that rush of satisfaction. Trust me; you’ll want to make this dish a regular feature in your repertoire!

Gather these ingredients

Now, onto the fun stuff—let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for the freshest shrimp you can find. If you can get your hands on wild-caught, even better! Fresh shrimp ensures that snap when you bite into them. You could also use frozen—just make sure to defrost them completely before cooking.

• 1 lb salmon fillets: Choose salmon with a bright color and firm flesh. If you prefer a lighter option, feel free to swap in another fish like tilapia or cod.

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens! You can buy a premade blend or make your own—just a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a few other spices will do the trick!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect fat for sautéing your proteins while adding that subtle fruity flavor.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because let’s be real, garlic makes everything better! If you adore garlic as much as I do, you could even toss in an extra clove or two.

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is the heart of your sauce, giving it that luscious flair. If you want a lighter version, you could substitute with half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as creamy.

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: A sprinkle of cheese adds a salty, savory richness. Feel free to use Pecorino Romano if you want to switch things up!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, yet essential; it’s all about balancing the flavors.

• Chopped parsley for garnish: Not only does it look lovely, but it adds a fresh note that brightens up the dish.

The cooking process explained

Ready to dive into the kitchen? Here’s how this delightful dish comes together, step by step:

1. Prep the proteins: Start by seasoning the shrimp and salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on this step; let those flavors soak into the fish!

2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on your fish but not so hot that it smokes. Think of it as finding the sweet spot!

3. Cook the shrimp and salmon: Add the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and the salmon is cooked through—about 3-4 minutes per side. Once they’re perfectly golden, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Sauté the garlic: Don’t clean that skillet just yet! In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant. It’s going to infuse that lovely oil you’ve got going.

5. Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling gently, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce and gets all velvety.

6. Reunite the seafood: Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating them lovingly in that delicious sauce. This is magic, my friend!

7. Serve it up: Garnish with chopped parsley to finish, and serve immediately while it’s still warm and luscious.

Best way to enjoy it

Now, let’s talk about the best way to enjoy this feast. You can serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even alongside some sautéed greens for a burst of color and nutrition. A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the richness beautifully—think some arugula tossed with lemon and olive oil. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, why not pop open a chilled bottle of white wine? A good Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the seafood—and what’s dinner without a little libation, right?

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep this dish fresh, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp and salmon again, or they’ll become rubbery—we definitely want to avoid that!

Helpful cooking tips

A few extra tips to make your cooking experience as seamless as possible:

• For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic right before you add the cream. It will deglaze the pan and infuse another level of yummy.

• If you’re short on time, you can prep your ingredients in advance. Season the shrimp and salmon a few hours beforehand, and chop the garlic, so everything is ready to go when you are.

• Feel free to adjust the heat level! If you love spice, add in some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.

Creative Twists

Now, let’s get a little adventurous, shall we?

• Vegetarian version: You could swap out the shrimp and salmon for chunks of firm tofu or even portobello mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian twist. Just prepare them similarly, and you’ll have a dish that all your veggie-loving friends will adore!

• Add-Ins: Consider throwing in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.

• Switch up the seasoning: If Cajun isn’t your vibe, Italian herb blends or a lemon-butter sauce could work beautifully, offering a different spin on the original recipe.

Ingredients list

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions to follow

1. Season the shrimp and salmon with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and salmon to the skillet; cook until shrimp are pink and salmon is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Return shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare? This dish can be on your table in about 30 minutes!

• Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon? Absolutely! Just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for the best results.

• What can I serve as a side? It pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a light salad.

• Can I make it dairy-free? You could experiment with coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for a creamy texture.

• Is it spicy? The heat comes from the Cajun seasoning, which you can adjust to your liking or swap for a milder seasoning.

It’s time to dust off your apron, grab your ingredients, and dive into making this dish. Feel free to put your own spin on it—cooking should always be an exploration! I’d love to hear how you make it your own, so don’t hesitate to share your creations. Cooking together, even from afar, can create such wonderful memories and experiences, don’t you think? So, go on—try it out tonight!

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Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Pescetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 3 mins Total Time 30 hrs 3 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 20 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen, combining the richness of salmon with seasoned shrimp in a velvety sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 lb salmon fillets (Bright color and firm flesh)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Premade or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Add more if desired)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Substitute with half-and-half for lighter version)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Can substitute with Pecorino Romano)
• to taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning)
• Chopped parsley (For garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Steps to Prepare

1. Season the Proteins

   Season the shrimp and salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Let the flavors soak in for better taste.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat the Olive Oil

   In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
   Make sure it's hot enough for a nice sear.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Seafood

   Add the shrimp and salmon to the skillet; cook until shrimp are pink and salmon is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
   Mark as complete

4. Sauté the Garlic

   In the same skillet, add minced garlic; sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

5. Make the Sauce

   Pour in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
   Mark as complete

6. Combine Ingredients

   Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
   Ensure they are well-covered.
   Mark as complete

7. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while still warm.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 16g80%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 6g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 50g100%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 20 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 4 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 450 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 40 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Keywords: Cajun, shrimp, salmon, garlic, cream sauce, seafood, easy dinner