If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines the rich flavors of seafood with a velvety, garlicky sauce, this Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe is a total winner. Salmon and shrimp come together in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with fresh garlic, a hint of white wine, and parmesan cheese, making every bite a celebration of indulgent taste and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is straightforward yet wonderfully elegant—a true crowd-pleaser that warms the heart and delights the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the dish—the freshness of the seafood, the aromatic garlic and onion, and the richness of cream and parmesan come together beautifully.
- 1 lb salmon: Choose fresh, firm salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 lb shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 cup spinach: Adds vibrant color and a slight earthy balance to the richness.
- 4 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key to that signature aromatic punch.
- 1/2 small onion: Provides a subtle sweetness once softened.
- 1 tsp red crushed pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick to brighten the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup white wine: Adds acidity and depth, perfectly countering the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Create the luscious base that makes this recipe so comforting.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese: Brings its signature nutty, savory flavor into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every element.
- Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil to sear the seafood nicely.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Seafood
Begin by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon and shrimp generously with salt and pepper on both sides. When the oil shimmers, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a golden crust and is almost cooked through. Remove the salmon and leave about two tablespoons of oil in the pan, lowering the heat to low before continuing.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Into the same skillet, add your chopped onions and cook until translucent, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then toss in the fresh minced garlic along with the optional red crushed pepper flakes. Stir constantly and cook for just 20 seconds to release those fragrant aromas without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Deglaze and Reduce
Turn the heat back up to medium-high and pour in the white wine. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step lifts all those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom and intensifies the flavors in your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the parmesan cheese into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine this rich, cheesy mixture while it heats through, preparing the perfect creamy base for your seafood.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the salmon back to the skillet alongside the shrimp and fresh spinach. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow everything to simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken beautifully, the shrimp will turn pink and tender, and the spinach will wilt down, melding all the flavors into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sauce has thickened and both the salmon and shrimp are cooked through, the dish is ready to serve. The creamy garlic sauce coats the seafood perfectly, making it a mouthwatering experience with every forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. A small zest of lemon over the top can provide a bright contrast that wakes up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs spectacularly with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are perfect for balancing the richness, while steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables add a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating this dish on a simple white or pastel plate to showcase the vivid colors of the salmon, shrimp, and spinach. Serving it in individual skillet pans can also make for a charming presentation, especially if you’re hosting a dinner party that deserves a touch of rustic elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover creamy garlic salmon and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to enjoy the freshness and texture of the seafood and sauce.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce and delicate seafood, which can change texture when thawed. If you want to preserve it, consider freezing the seafood separately without the sauce and prepare a fresh sauce upon reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove to avoid curdling the cream. Stir often and add a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce and keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for the Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help them sear properly and prevent excess moisture from watering down your sauce.
Is it necessary to use white wine in this recipe?
White wine enhances the flavor by adding acidity and depth, but if you prefer, you could substitute it with chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and replace the parmesan with a nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese option to keep that cheesy flavor.
How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are fully cooked?
Salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout, while shrimp turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little extra cream, milk, or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency, heating gently while mixing to keep it smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and indulgent about the Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe that makes it a favorite for any occasion. The way the garlic and parmesan marry with tender seafood and spinach makes every bite feel special yet deeply satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try soon because it’s an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen!
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Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Garlic Salmon and Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender salmon and shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce with spinach and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this skillet-based recipe is perfect for a hearty and elegant seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb salmon
- 1/2 lb shrimp
Vegetables
- 1 cup spinach
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 small onion
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 tsp red crushed pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the seafood.
- Season the seafood: Season both sides of the salmon and shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook the salmon: Place the salmon skin side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely seared and partially cooked.
- Remove salmon and adjust oil: Remove the salmon from the skillet, discard any excess oil leaving about 2 tablespoons, and reduce the heat to low.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add garlic and pepper flakes: Stir in fresh minced garlic and red crushed pepper flakes, cooking for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with white wine: Turn heat to medium-high, add the white wine, and allow it to reduce by half over 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine seafood and spinach: Return salmon to the skillet along with the shrimp and add spinach, gently mixing into the sauce.
- Simmer to finish cooking: Cover the skillet and simmer on low for 7-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the shrimp and salmon are fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic salmon and shrimp immediately, garnished as desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- If white wine is not available, dry vermouth or chicken broth may be used as substitutes.
- The red crushed pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted to taste for spice preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and flaky.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
