If you are craving a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal, then you must try this Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender salmon chunks and succulent shrimp tossed in a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce, cozying up around perfectly cooked fettuccine. Every bite delivers a harmonious mix of creamy texture, fresh citrus brightness, and just the right kick of seasoning that will have you swooning and reaching for seconds. This dish feels indulgent yet balanced, making it a wonderful choice for a special dinner or an impressive weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this recipe uses straightforward, simple ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the ultimate seafood pasta. From the rich cream to the fresh herbs, each element enhances the overall flavor profile and texture beautifully.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: These long noodles capture and hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base to sauté the seafood without competing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Deepens the richness and helps create that velvety sauce texture.
- 8 oz salmon fillet (skin removed, cut into chunks): Brings a mild, tender protein that’s packed with omega-3s.
- 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined): Offers a sweet, slightly briny contrast to the salmon’s richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides an aromatic backbone and a slight punch to the cream sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret ingredient that makes the sauce irresistible and smooth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a fresh citrus burst that brightens the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Balances richness with tangy acidity.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers a pop of color and fresh herbaceous lift.
How to Make Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. This creates the ideal chewy base for your creamy seafood sauce. Remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water upon draining—it’s a little trick that will help you adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and fragrant. Add the salmon chunks carefully and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. This step locks in the flavorful juices while creating a lovely texture contrast for the final dish. Once done, gently remove the salmon and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, toss in the shrimp and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Remove the shrimp and combine them with the salmon, ready to be folded back into the sauce later.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Sauté the minced garlic in the skillet for just 30 seconds until it releases its incredible scent. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to gently thicken over 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all the flavors into one luxurious blend.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood
Add your drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand in that luscious lemon garlic goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water will loosen things up beautifully without losing creaminess. Then, carefully fold the cooked salmon and shrimp back in, warming everything together softly for another 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the seafood stays tender and perfectly infused with the sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To bring the final touch of freshness and color, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley on top. If you love extra richness, a few more shavings of Parmesan also work wonders here. The parsley adds a lightly herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess, making the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs brilliantly with crisp green salads dressed in vinaigrette, which provide a refreshing counterbalance. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add a welcome textural contrast and keep things light and wholesome on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try serving this Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe in warmed shallow bowls to showcase the sauce. Garnish with delicate lemon slices or edible flowers for an elegant touch. You can also plate the seafood chunks slightly on top of the pasta for a beautiful, inviting look that will impress your guests visually as much as with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the seafood is best enjoyed fresh, but gentle reheating can still preserve much of the deliciousness.
Freezing
Freezing seafood pasta can be a bit tricky as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do want to freeze, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, use low heat on the stove or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s velvety texture and avoid overcooking the seafood which can become tough and dry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully because they catch the sauce so well, you can swap in penne, spaghetti, or even pappardelle to suit your preference or pantry availability.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Just be aware the texture and richness might slightly differ.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the seafood before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could water down the sauce. Fresh is always ideal, but properly thawed frozen seafood works well too.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can pre-cook the pasta and seafood separately and keep them refrigerated. Assemble and finish cooking in the sauce just before serving to keep textures fresh and delicious.
How spicy does this dish get with the red pepper flakes?
The ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes delivers a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. Feel free to omit or adjust the amount if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a seafood pasta that feels both elegant and comforting, you definitely should try the Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s just as wonderful for a cozy night in as it is for entertaining loved ones. Each forkful tells a story of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together in creamy, delicious bliss. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe just like I have!
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Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta – A Seafood Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Creamy Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a luscious seafood dish featuring tender chunks of salmon and shrimp in a rich lemon garlic cream sauce, tossed with fettuccine or linguine. This Italian-inspired main course is perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines fresh seafood flavors with a velvety Parmesan sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Seafood
- 8 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, then set aside.
- Cook the salmon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the salmon chunks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the salmon is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set it aside with the salmon.
- Sauté garlic and prepare sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cream sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine seafood and finish: Gently fold the cooked salmon and shrimp into the pasta and sauce mixture. Cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat the seafood through.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon and shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed seafood to maintain tenderness and best flavor.
- Do not overcook the salmon or shrimp to avoid toughness.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a full meal.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
