Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

There’s something magical about a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. I discovered this Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce during one of those chaotic weeknights when takeout seemed inevitable. My daughter was doing homework at the kitchen island, my son was building a Lego fortress on the floor, and I had exactly 30 minutes to get dinner on the table before the evening descended into full-blown chaos. This one-pan wonder saved the day—and became an instant family favorite.

What makes this easy seafood recipe so special is how effortlessly impressive it feels. The spicy Cajun seasoning clinging to tender shrimp and flaky salmon, all swimming in a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s rich without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even when you’re just trying to survive the week. And the best part? It’s ready faster than most delivery drivers can find your house.

If you love creamy, saucy dishes, you’ll adore our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken too—it’s another family favorite that comes together with minimal fuss.

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce Ingredients

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce requires simple ingredients that create complex flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cajun Seafood:

• 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Smart Substitutions:

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan
• No fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Make it spicier with a pinch of cayenne pepper

Timing for This Easy Seafood Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

That’s 40% faster than most restaurant seafood dishes, and you control exactly what goes into it.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cajun Shrimp and Salmon

Step 1: Season the Seafood

Pat both the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and promotes beautiful browning. In a medium bowl, toss the seafood with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the drying step! Moisture is the enemy of that perfect sear we’re after.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove to a plate. Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink but still slightly undercooked. Remove to the same plate as the salmon.

Important: The seafood will finish cooking in the sauce later, so don’t overcook it at this stage.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the partially cooked seafood to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

If you’re a fan of garlic-forward dishes, you’ll love our High-Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for another satisfying meal option.

Nutritional Information for This Healthy Salmon Recipe

Per serving (approximately 1½ cups):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

This dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, high-quality protein from both seafood varieties, and essential vitamins from the fresh herbs and garlic.

Equipment Needed for This One Pan Dinner

• Large skillet (12-inch works perfectly)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Medium mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk (for smoothing the sauce)

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: This dish tastes like it came from a high-end seafood restaurant but costs a fraction of the price.

Incredibly Fast: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat—perfect for busy weeknights.

One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.

Customizable Heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.

Impressive Enough for Company: This is one of those recipes that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lighter Cream Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickness.

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan or use dairy-free alternative.

Lower Sodium: Make your own Cajun seasoning to control salt content, and use low-sodium broth.

Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrients and fiber.

For another creamy dish that’s packed with vegetables, try our Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cajun Seafood Creation

Over Grains: Serve atop fluffy white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up every drop of that delicious garlic cream sauce.

With Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or linguine for a decadent seafood pasta dish.

With Bread: Crusty French bread or garlic toast is perfect for mopping up the extra sauce.

Vegetable Sides: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay balances the spice and creaminess perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with This Garlic Cream Sauce

Overcooking the Seafood: Remember that shrimp and salmon continue cooking in the hot sauce. Remove them from the pan when they’re still slightly underdone.

Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Cook it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is plenty.

Skipping the Fond: Those browned bits left in the pan after searing the seafood are flavor gold. Make sure to deglaze the pan properly when making the sauce.

Adding Cold Cream to Hot Pan: Let your cream come to room temperature before adding it to prevent curdling.

Oversalting: Cajun seasoning and Parmesan both contain salt. Always taste before adding extra salt.

Storing Tips for This Easy Seafood Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled—thin it with a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing: While possible, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, do so without the seafood and add freshly cooked shrimp and salmon when reheating.

Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook the seafood.

Meal Prep: You can mix the dry seasoning for the seafood up to a week ahead. The garlic can be minced and stored in oil in the refrigerator for quick use.

For another make-ahead friendly dish, check out our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Seafood Dinner

This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce has earned a permanent spot in our weekly rotation because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something special without the hassle, when you need to impress guests without stressing, or when you simply crave the comfort of a creamy, satisfying meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences, swap in different seafood based on what looks good at the market, or lighten it up with the substitutions we discussed. However you make it, you’re guaranteed a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in one pan and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Did you add extra veggies? Adjust the spice level? Share your experience in the comments below—your tips might help another home cook perfect their dish. And don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest when you share your beautiful creations!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup Delight for another comforting, flavor-packed meal.

FAQs about Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

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