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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp is the kind of restaurant-quality seafood dinner you can make right in your own kitchen. Tender, pan-seared salmon fillets and juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon. Every bite is flavorful, buttery, and wonderfully satisfying.
This easy salmon and shrimp recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or special occasions when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce comes together in one skillet, making cleanup easier while allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
If you love seafood recipes with creamy sauces, fresh garlic, and perfectly seasoned fish, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp deserves a place in your dinner rotation. Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Restaurant-quality flavor at home: The combination of golden salmon, tender shrimp, garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a luxurious meal using simple ingredients.
Ready in about 30 minutes: This recipe is ideal when you want a delicious seafood dinner without a complicated cooking process.
Made in one skillet: Cooking the salmon, shrimp, and sauce in the same pan helps build layers of flavor and reduces the number of dishes to wash.
Perfect for special occasions: Whether you’re preparing a date-night dinner, hosting friends, or celebrating with family, this seafood dish looks beautiful on the table.
Easy to customize: Adjust the seasonings, add spinach, or include a little Cajun seasoning to create a version that suits your taste.
Ingredients
You’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this creamy seafood dinner. Fresh seafood is wonderful, but properly thawed frozen salmon and shrimp work well, too.
- 2 salmon fillets, approximately 6 ounces each, skin removed if desired
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Ingredient Tips
Salmon: Choose evenly sized fillets so they cook at approximately the same rate. Fresh or frozen salmon can be used. If using frozen fillets, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp are excellent choices because they remain juicy and are easy to serve alongside the salmon. Remove the shells and devein them before cooking.
Heavy cream: Heavy whipping cream creates a rich, smooth sauce. Half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner and may require more careful heating.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties. Add it gradually to help prevent clumping.
Garlic and butter: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, while butter gives the sauce its signature richness.
Lemon juice: A small amount of fresh lemon brightens the creamy sauce and balances the richness of the seafood.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Shrimp
Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seafood develop a beautiful golden surface instead of steaming in the pan.
Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a little Italian seasoning. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Keep the seafood separate until cooking. If your shrimp are frozen, make sure they are completely thawed and drained.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. The salmon should develop a golden crust and release easily from the pan when ready to turn.
Cook until the center reaches 145°F, measured with a food thermometer at the thickest part. Transfer the salmon to a clean plate and set aside.
The salmon will return to the skillet later, so avoid breaking the fillets while handling them.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side, depending on their size.
The shrimp should turn pink and opaque with a lightly golden surface. Avoid overcooking them, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery very quickly.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to the plate with the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, scraping up the flavorful browned bits left behind by the seafood.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to burn, as burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid a rapid boil, which can affect the texture of the cream sauce.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Gradually stir the freshly grated Parmesan into the warm cream sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice and taste the sauce. Adjust the salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it is too thin, let it simmer gently for another minute or two.
Step 6: Return the Seafood to the Skillet
Carefully return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add the shrimp around the salmon.
Spoon some sauce over the seafood and let everything warm together for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid stirring aggressively because the salmon fillets can break apart.
If the salmon needs additional cooking, continue until it reaches 145°F internally. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a little additional Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of creamy garlic butter sauce. The sauce is delicious over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Pat the seafood dry. This simple step helps the salmon and shrimp brown properly and improves the final texture.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. If your pan is small, cook the seafood in batches. Overcrowding can cause it to release excess moisture and cook unevenly.
Use moderate heat for the sauce. Once the cream is added, keep the heat low to medium-low. A gentle simmer helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Add Parmesan gradually. Stirring in small amounts allows the cheese to melt evenly and reduces the risk of a grainy sauce.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. They will warm briefly when returned to the sauce.
Choose a large skillet. A wide skillet gives the salmon enough room to sear and provides space for the shrimp and sauce during the final step.
Serve immediately. Cream sauces are at their best when freshly made, while the seafood is tender and the sauce is silky.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
This versatile seafood recipe pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement its rich sauce.
Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti makes an excellent base for the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Rice: Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fluffy brown rice absorbs the sauce and turns the dish into a satisfying meal.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting combination with the buttery seafood sauce.
Roasted asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast to the rich salmon and shrimp.
Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli brings color and a mild flavor that pairs well with garlic butter.
Crusty bread: Serve warm French bread or a sliced baguette to soak up every last spoonful of sauce.
For a lighter dinner, pair the seafood with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Variations to Try
Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the seafood before cooking. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Taste before adding more salt because many Cajun seasoning blends already contain salt.
Creamy Spinach Salmon and Shrimp
Stir 2 cups of fresh baby spinach into the sauce after adding the cream. Cook until the spinach wilts, then add the Parmesan and return the seafood to the skillet.
Lemon Parmesan Salmon and Shrimp
Increase the lemon juice slightly and add a little fresh lemon zest just before serving. This variation gives the creamy sauce a brighter, fresher flavor.
Low-Carb Salmon and Shrimp Dinner
Serve the seafood with cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini, or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or regular rice. Check the nutrition information of your ingredients if you are following a specific dietary plan.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Allow the leftover salmon and shrimp to cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days.
For the best texture, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir carefully to keep the salmon from breaking apart.
You can also use a microwave, heating the seafood in short intervals at reduced power and checking that it is heated throughout.
Avoid reheating the dish repeatedly, as shrimp can become rubbery and salmon can dry out. Freezing is possible, but cream sauces may separate after thawing, so refrigeration is generally preferable for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp?
Yes. Thaw both completely in the refrigerator before cooking, then pat them dry. This helps the seafood brown properly and prevents excess water from thinning the sauce.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, although the sauce will be less rich and may be thinner. Warm it gently and avoid boiling. A small amount of extra Parmesan can help improve the consistency.
Can I use precooked shrimp?
Fresh or raw shrimp are preferable because they develop more flavor when cooked in the skillet. If using precooked shrimp, add them near the end just long enough to warm through. Overheating them can make them tough.
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
The USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
For the freshest flavor and best texture, make the sauce just before serving. If you need to save time, mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan, measure the seasonings, and prepare the seafood in advance.
Is this recipe spicy?
The basic recipe is mild, with a little warmth from black pepper. Red pepper flakes are optional. For a spicier version, add Cajun seasoning or extra crushed red pepper.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers, combining golden salmon, juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a bright hint of lemon.
This easy one-skillet seafood dinner is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Serve it over pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
If you love cozy seafood recipes, try our Easy Smoked Salmon Potato Chowder for another comforting meal packed with delicious flavor.
For the best results, cook the seafood thoroughly and check that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can find additional guidance in the USDA’s safe minimum internal temperature chart.
Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or planning a seafood-inspired date night, this creamy garlic butter recipe is a delicious way to bring restaurant-style flavor to your table. Don’t forget the fresh lemon wedges and extra Parmesan!
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Tender pan-seared salmon and juicy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce with fresh lemon and herbs. This easy seafood dinner is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Pat salmon and shrimp dry. Season salmon with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 145°F. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining olive oil if needed. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter, add garlic, and cook for 30–60 seconds.
5. Stir in heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Gradually stir in Parmesan until smooth. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
7. Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon sauce over seafood and warm for 1–2 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use fully thawed, patted-dry seafood for best results.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation.
Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.