There's something magical about a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes using one pan. Tender shrimp and flaky salmon swim in a velvety garlic cream sauce with just the right amount of spice.
Pat both the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. 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.
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.
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. 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.
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.
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. Storage: 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.