Salmon and Shrimp Recipe with Buttery Garlic Sauce

Salmon and shrimp with garlic sauce recipe is comfort food that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Seafood lovers appreciate how two proteins come together in one satisfying dish that never feels heavy or overdone.

The savory, aromatic profile makes it a favorite across different occasions, from casual family meals to date nights at home.

It works beautifully over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh vegetables when you want something filling yet balanced.

The combination has that restaurant feel without the fuss, and it's forgiving for cooks at any skill level.

Leftovers taste just as good the next day, making it practical for meal prep or planned-overs.

If you love seafood that's flavorful and satisfying, give the recipe below a read and see how simple it can be.

What Makes Salmon and Shrimp with Garlic Sauce So Rich

• Easy Flavor Fusion: This salmon and shrimp combo delivers restaurant-quality taste without complex techniques, so your dinner feels totally gourmet but takes minimal kitchen skills.
• Protein Power Meal: Combining salmon and shrimp gives your plate a double protein punch that keeps everyone satisfied and energized through the evening.
• One-Pan Wonder: By cooking everything in the same skillet, you save on dishes and cleanup, making this a smart choice for busy weeknights when kitchen time matters.
• Adaptable Side Options: Whether serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish lets you customize your plate based on what’s in your pantry or what sounds good right now.

Salmon Shrimp Garlic Cream Ingredient Breakdown

• Salmon Fillets (2 pieces, 6 oz each): Fresh salmon that gives your dish a rich, meaty centerpiece with beautiful texture.
• Large Shrimp (½ lb): Tender seafood that adds sweet ocean flavor and complements your salmon perfectly.

• Salt (1 teaspoon), Black Pepper (½ teaspoon), Paprika (½ teaspoon), Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon), Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon): Blend of spices that brings deep, complex flavor to your seafood and creates a beautiful seasoning layer.

• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons), Butter (1 tablespoon): Cooking fats that help develop rich flavor and ensure smooth cooking.
• Garlic Cloves (3): Aromatic base that provides a punchy, intense flavor to your sauce.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Liquid that adds depth and subtle savory notes to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a luxurious, silky texture for your sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings tangy sharpness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Bright, fresh accent that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon): Herbal note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons): Fresh garnish that adds color and light herb flavor.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Salmon Shrimp Garlic Sauce

• Large Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to pan for searing salmon, cooking shrimp, and creating that incredible sauce. Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately seasoning your seafood and getting the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and spices.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping salmon and shrimp without breaking the delicate seafood and keeping your hands safe from hot oil.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir the sauce smoothly and scrape those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting the salmon dry, ensuring a crispy, golden sear that locks in flavor.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing garlic, herbs, and chopping parsley for garnish.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed for mincing garlic, chopping herbs, and preparing ingredients with precision.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure chicken broth, cream, and other liquid ingredients accurately for the perfect sauce consistency.

How Do You Prepare Salmon and Shrimp with Garlic Sauce

Key Cooking Notes for Salmon and Shrimp with Garlic Sauce

• Pat those fillets super dry so the skin gets gorgeously crispy and golden brown.
• Watch carefully and cook just until shrimp turn pink to keep them tender and succulent.
• Deglaze the pan with broth to capture all those delicious browned bits for maximum flavor.
• Stir Parmesan and mustard slowly to create a smooth, rich sauce without lumps.
• Add fresh thyme and parsley at the very end to boost the bright, herbal notes of your dish.

Which Variations Elevate Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and skip Parmesan cheese, using nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.
• Herb Swap: Substitute fresh thyme with fresh dill or basil for a different aromatic profile while keeping the sauce creamy and bright.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spice Lover’s Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add a dash of smoked paprika to give the sauce an extra kick of heat and complexity.

How To Serve Salmon And Shrimp In Garlic Cream

• Serve with Hearty Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice make perfect companions for catching every drop of that rich sauce.
• Perfect Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will cut through the richness and complement the seafood’s delicate flavors.
• Veggie Balance: Roasted asparagus or a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps brighten the plate and add fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Quick Meal Hack: Prep all ingredients before starting to cook – this ensures your seafood stays tender and your sauce comes together smoothly without stress.

How Long Does Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce Keep

• Stash leftover salmon and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep safely for 2-3 days.
• Cool the creamy garlic sauce completely before storing separately, as this helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains the sauce’s smooth texture.
• Keep the seafood and sauce in different containers so the delicate fish doesn’t get soggy or lose its perfect texture when reheating.
• When ready to serve again, gently warm the components in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s silky consistency.

Salmon And Shrimp With Creamy Garlic Sauce FAQs

Salmon and Shrimp with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Sauce delivers pure seafood comfort straight to your dinner table in just half an hour. Succulent fish and plump shellfish swim in a silky, garlicky embrace that turns weeknight cooking into a restaurant-worthy experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• ½ lb large shrimp

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels to ensure perfect searing. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder across both sides of the fish.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet at 375°F. Carefully place salmon skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Flip salmon and cook for additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside on a warm plate.
4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Season ½ pound shrimp with pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side at medium-high heat until shrimp turn pink.
5. Transfer shrimp to plate with salmon. Reduce skillet heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves.
6. Saute garlic for 30 seconds, then pour ½ cup chicken broth to deglaze pan, scraping browned bits from bottom.
7. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme to the sauce. Mix thoroughly.
9. Return salmon and shrimp to skillet, gently coating with sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
10. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped parsley over dish. Serve immediately with preferred side like pasta or rice.

Notes

• Make sure your salmon fillets are completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap out Dijon mustard for a gluten-free version and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
• Use fresh thyme if possible, as it provides a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor compared to dried thyme.
• If watching calories, replace heavy cream with half Greek yogurt and half milk to create a lighter sauce that still maintains a creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salmon
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 685 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 53 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg