Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary Tuesday into a special occasion without demanding hours in the kitchen. I first made this for a last-minute dinner with friends, and the way the spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning melded with the rich, velvety garlic cream sauce created such a memorable flavor that it instantly earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. It’s a seafood dinner that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy, yet it’s surprisingly simple to pull off, even for a weeknight.

This dish is a beautiful union of two fantastic proteins—succulent shrimp and hearty salmon—both coated in a homemade Cajun spice blend that you can adjust to your preferred heat level. The garlic cream sauce is the real star, though. It’s luxuriously smooth and clings to every bite, making the entire meal feel cohesive and decadent. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll love how flexible it is, too. I’ll walk you through some simple swaps and variations, so you can tailor it to what you have on hand or to meet different dietary needs. From the moment you start searing the salmon to the final swirl of cream into the pan, the process is straightforward and deeply satisfying. Let’s get cooking.

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce Ingredients

This Cajun shrimp and salmon recipe comes together with a mix of fresh seafood, aromatic vegetables, and a few pantry staples for that incredible garlic cream sauce. Here is what you will need.

• For the Cajun Seasoning:
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Seafood:
  • 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Smart Substitutions: No heavy cream? Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work for a different, but still creamy, result. For a lighter option, check out our creamy butternut squash pasta which uses vegetable puree for richness. If you’re out of homemade Cajun seasoning, a good store-bought blend is a fine shortcut.

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This entire seafood dinner comes together in well under an hour, making it about 30% faster than many other fancy-feeling main courses.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Cajun Shrimp and Salmon

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.

1. 
   

   Prepare the Seasoning and Seafood: In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients together. Pat the salmon cubes and shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil. Sprinkle with about two-thirds of the Cajun seasoning, reserving the rest for the sauce. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cook the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the salmon.

   
   
4. 
   

   Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   
   
5. 
   

   Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom—this is where tons of flavor lives! Let it simmer for a minute. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

   
   
6. 
   

   Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

   
   
7. 
   

   Combine and Serve: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the warm garlic cream sauce. Heat through for just a minute. Serve immediately.

   
   

Nutritional Information for this Easy Salmon Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats. A single serving (approximately one-quarter of the recipe) provides roughly:

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 34g

Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, while shrimp provides selenium and vitamin B12. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a lower-carb lifestyle.

Equipment Needed for this Seafood Dinner

You do not need any fancy tools for this recipe. A reliable large skillet is the most important piece. A sharp knife for dicing the onion and mincing garlic, a few mixing bowls, and measuring spoons are all that is required. A microplane for grating fresh Parmesan cheese is a nice bonus for the smoothest sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon Recipe

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The spicy, smoky Cajun seasoning paired with the rich, velvety garlic cream sauce is a match made in heaven.
• Surprisingly Easy: It looks and tastes gourmet, but the process is straightforward and perfect for a weeknight. If you enjoy bold flavors, you might also like our flavor-packed grilled chicken marinade.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Impressive for Guests: This is a fantastic dish to serve when you have company—it is always a hit.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with olive oil or avocado oil. Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a nutritional yeast alternative.
• Lower Fat: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. You can also use a light slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken it.
• Higher Protein: The dish is already protein-packed, but you can serve it with quinoa or lentil pasta to boost it even further.

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Cream Sauce Dish

This creamy shrimp and salmon dish is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Over Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or linguine for a classic creamy shrimp pasta experience.
• With Grains: Serve on a bed of white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• With Bread: A loaf of crusty French bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair with a simple arugula salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted green beans to balance the richness. For another cozy, cheesy option, our cozy cheesy garlic chicken wraps are a family favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Seafood: Salmon and shrimp cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat too long. Cook them just until done and remember they will warm through again in the sauce.
• Using Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Always use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp will become overcooked and chewy.
• Boiling the Cream Sauce: Once you add the cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the sauce to separate or become greasy.
• Skipping the Deglazing: Those browned bits in the pan after searing the seafood are packed with flavor. Deglazing with broth is essential for a deeply flavorful sauce.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored properly.

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave, as it can overcook the seafood.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and the seafood can become watery upon thawing.

Conclusion

This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is a true testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It is a reliable, impressive, and deeply satisfying meal that you will find yourself making again and again. The combination of spicy, flaky salmon, tender shrimp, and that luxurious sauce is simply irresistible.

If you are looking for other high-protein meals with a kick, our high-protein spicy grilled chicken wraps are another fantastic option for a quick dinner.

I truly hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and share your experience. And if you do, do not forget to tag @Harmonymeal on Pinterest so we can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking

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Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

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This Cajun shrimp and salmon recipe features spicy, smoky seasoning and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It is surprisingly simple to make yet feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Harmony
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

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• For the Cajun Seasoning:
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Seafood:
• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4–5 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning and Seafood: In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients together. Pat the salmon cubes and shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil. Sprinkle with about two-thirds of the Cajun seasoning, reserving the rest for the sauce. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the salmon.
4. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the warm garlic cream sauce. Heat through for just a minute. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave, as it can overcook the seafood. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate and the seafood can become watery upon thawing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

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