Cajun Shrimp and Salmon in Garlic Cream Sauce served on a plate

Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

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why make this recipe

This dish brings bold Cajun spice and rich garlic cream together. It cooks fast. It feels special but is easy. You can serve it on mashed potatoes with green beans for a full meal.

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introduction

This recipe pairs seared salmon and shrimp with a smooth garlic cream sauce. The sauce keeps the fish moist and adds a mild, cheesy flavor. For another creamy seafood idea, try a creamy Cajun shrimp with mushrooms recipe that uses similar flavors.

how to make Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Start by seasoning the fish well with Cajun spice. Sear the salmon first, then the shrimp in the same skillet. Make the sauce in the same pan by melting butter, cooking garlic, then adding heavy cream and Parmesan. Return the seafood to the pan and spoon the sauce over it to heat through.

Ingredients :

2 salmon fillets, 12 large shrimp (peeled & deveined), 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), Salt & pepper (to taste), Optional: mashed potatoes + green beans for serving

Directions :

  1. Pat dry salmon and shrimp, then rub generously with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet with olive oil, sear salmon skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Let it simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Nestle salmon and shrimp back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.
  5. Serve over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans. Spoon extra sauce on top and finish with chopped parsley.

how to serve Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Serve the fish on a bed of mashed potatoes. Add steamed green beans or a simple salad on the side. Spoon the garlic cream sauce over the salmon and shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

how to store Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Do not keep at room temperature for more than two hours.

tips to make Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

  • Pat the fish dry so the spice sticks and you get a good sear.
  • Do not overcook the salmon. Check for flake and a slightly translucent center.
  • Use low heat when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
  • If you want another protein option, see a different creamy option like chickpea mushroom meatballs with creamy curry sauce for a vegetarian idea.

variation (if any)

  • Make it milder: use half the Cajun seasoning.
  • Add vegetables: toss in spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more texture.
  • Pasta swap: serve the shrimp and sauce over pasta instead of potatoes. For a similar pasta idea, check creamy shrimp farfalle with spinach.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Heavy cream gives a richer sauce. Milk will make a thinner sauce. You can mix milk with a little flour to thicken, but cream is best.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon flakes with a fork and is slightly opaque in the center. It should still be moist.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and chill it, but warm it gently before adding the fish. The sauce may thicken in the fridge; stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating if needed.

Conclusion

For another take on Cajun salmon and shrimp, see this full recipe and notes at Cajun Salmon and Shrimp on I Am Homesteader.

Cajun Shrimp & Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

This dish pairs seared salmon and shrimp with a smooth garlic cream sauce, bringing bold Cajun spice and rich flavors to your table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seafood
  • 2 fillets salmon fillets Pat dry for better seasoning adhesion.
  • 12 large shrimp (peeled & deveined) Use thawed if frozen.
Seasoning & Oils
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Plus more to taste.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Sauté in butter.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich sauce.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Adds cheesy flavor.
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat dry salmon and shrimp, then rub generously with Cajun seasoning.
  2. In a skillet with olive oil, sear salmon skin-side down first for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove.
  3. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combining
  1. Nestle salmon and shrimp back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Serving
  1. Serve over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans.
  2. Spoon extra sauce on top and finish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Tips: Pat the fish dry for better spice adherence, do not overcook salmon, and use low heat when reheating to keep the sauce smooth. If desired, you can replace Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor or add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added texture.