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Try Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

I recently made this Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce recipe, and I have to say—it turned out even better than I imagined. The shrimp were juicy, the salmon was buttery and flaky, and that garlic cream sauce tied it all together with just the right amount of Cajun kick.
If you’re looking for something cozy but also packed with flavor, this is it. It gave me the same comfort-food joy as my favorite Lemon Herb Pot Roast Chicken Recipe, but with a seafood twist. I’m excited to share how you can make this at home too.

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Let’s talk ingredients. Picking fresh and high-quality options makes all the difference in flavor and texture.

For the Seafood:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Use fresh or thawed shrimp; avoid pre-cooked ones for the best flavor.
• 1 lb salmon fillet (cut into portions) – Skin-on salmon works best for crisp edges and firm texture.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – You can make your own or use your favorite store-bought blend.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps create a nice sear without burning.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and blends well with garlic.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic brings out the best aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Gives the sauce its creamy texture; avoid low-fat for full flavor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Use fresh grated, not pre-shredded. It melts smoother.
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – Enhances the flavor of the sauce with a spicy kick.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Fine-tune to your liking.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a fresh pop of color.

Note: This recipe serves 3 to 4 people generously based on the given quantities.

Flavorful Variations for All Tastes

Want to mix things up or adjust for dietary needs? Here are some creative ideas!

• Dairy-free version: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Add vegetables: Add spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes while making the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Boost the heat: Add red chili flakes or extra Cajun seasoning if you love spice.

This recipe easily fits into your favorite dinner recipes collection thanks to its versatility and easy customizations.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Make sure to give yourself enough time for each step to enjoy the process.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of tools you’ll need to make this seafood dish seamless:

Large skillet: To cook the salmon, shrimp, and sauce.
Tongs or spatula: For flipping the seafood gently.
Measuring spoons: To measure spices and oil precisely.
Knife and cutting board: For prepping garlic and parsley.
Whisk: Helps blend the cream sauce smoothly.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Here’s how I made this flavorful dish from start to finish. It’s simpler than it looks!

Season the Shrimp and Salmon

I began by placing the shrimp and salmon in a large bowl. Then, I added Cajun seasoning, a little salt, and pepper. A splash of lemon juice went in too—it’s optional, but I find it brightens everything up. I gently tossed it all together until the seafood was evenly coated.

Cook the Salmon to Perfection

I heated 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I placed the salmon pieces skin-side down and let them sear for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then I flipped them and let them cook through, about another 4 minutes. I removed them from the skillet and set them aside to rest.

Sauté the Shrimp

Next, I added the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. The shrimp went in and cooked quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Once they turned pink and slightly curled, I knew they were ready. I removed them from the pan and added them to the plate with the salmon.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, I melted the butter over medium heat and tossed in the minced garlic. I sautéed it for just 30 seconds to release its aroma. Then I poured in the heavy cream and stirred it until smooth. After simmering for a minute, I whisked in the Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. A little salt and pepper balanced it all perfectly.

Bring It All Together

Once the sauce thickened a bit, I gently placed the shrimp and salmon back into the skillet. I spooned the sauce over each piece, letting the flavors soak in for a minute before turning off the heat. A sprinkle of chopped parsley finished it off beautifully.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are a few tricks I learned after cooking this dish a couple of times:

Use fresh seafood whenever possible—it really enhances the flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
Let the cream sauce simmer for a minute before adding cheese to prevent clumping.
For extra depth, try adding a splash of white wine before the cream.
Garnish with lemon zest for a citrusy aroma and zing.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

You can serve this dish in so many creative and cozy ways. I like placing the salmon and shrimp over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice. You could also try it with pasta or even grits for a Southern-style twist.

Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and a pinch of extra Parmesan to make it restaurant-worthy. The dish also pairs wonderfully with a comforting Short Rib Ragu Recipe if you’re planning a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a basic breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 510 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 38g

How to Store the Leftovers

Storing in the Fridge:

Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the cooked shrimp and salmon, but the cream sauce may separate. If needed, freeze the seafood separately and make the sauce fresh.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence, here are a few reasons this will become a staple in your kitchen.

Easy to make: It’s a 30-minute dish with minimal prep.
Restaurant-quality flavor: Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.
Flexible ingredients: Easily swap or customize for dietary needs.
Perfect for guests or weeknights: Feels fancy but is easy enough for any day.
Pairs well with anything: Rice, potatoes, pasta—you name it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your dish turns out great every time.

Overcooking the shrimp—they get rubbery fast.
Using frozen seafood without fully thawing—it releases water and dilutes the sauce.
Adding cheese too early—it can clump if the cream isn’t hot enough.
Using low-fat cream—it won’t thicken well and won’t be as rich.
Not seasoning in layers—season the seafood and the sauce separately for best results.

More Info for a Better Experience

To elevate your cooking experience, make sure your Cajun seasoning has no added sugar or unnecessary fillers. Try serving this dish with garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness. You can also prepare the sauce in advance to cut down on dinner-time prep.

Ben Carraoli