Imagine a weeknight dinner that feels luxurious yet is simple enough for a busy evening—this Easy Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce delivers exactly that. With perfectly seared salmon and shrimp coated in Cajun spices and draped in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, this dish transforms an ordinary night into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Inspired by coastal cuisine, this recipe combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the indulgent comfort of a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for those who want a flavorful, elegant meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender seafood, aromatic garlic, and a touch of spice makes it an unforgettable dish that’s ideal for weeknight luxury.

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Why This Cajun Seafood Dish Feels Luxurious

The richness of the garlic cream sauce elevates the shrimp and salmon, turning simple seafood into a decadent meal. Cajun spices bring bold, smoky flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish, creating a harmonious balance of taste. The dish is visually appealing, colorful, and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even a solo indulgent treat.

It’s also versatile—you can serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a go-to recipe when you want the elegance of a seafood dinner with minimal effort.

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Ingredients for Easy Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillets, skin removed

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt, or to taste

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: cooked pasta, rice, or vegetables for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by preparing your seafood. Pat both the salmon fillets and shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for achieving a good sear; wet seafood will steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful crust. Season both the salmon and shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The Cajun seasoning adds a bold, slightly smoky spice, while the paprika enhances color and flavor, giving the seafood a beautiful depth.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot enough to shimmer but not smoke. Carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable, laying them away from you to avoid splatters. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the fillets are cooked through and have a lightly golden crust. Avoid moving the salmon too much during cooking, as this can prevent proper searing. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. The garlic-infused butter provides the base flavor for your creamy sauce.

Next, pour in heavy cream and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to combine and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. The Parmesan melts into the cream, giving the sauce a rich, velvety texture and a nutty, savory depth.

Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them to coat in the garlic cream sauce. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly firm. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp become rubbery quickly. Tossing them gently ensures even coating and flavor absorption from the sauce.

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat them evenly. This allows the fillets to absorb some of the creamy, garlicky flavor while keeping them moist and tender. Be gentle when handling the salmon to prevent breaking the fillets apart.

Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. The lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream and cheese, while the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, steamed rice, or sautéed vegetables. This combination ensures that the dish is balanced and visually appealing. The creamy garlic sauce clings beautifully to the base, while the seafood remains tender and flavorful.

For best results, use fresh or properly thawed seafood, and freshly grate the Parmesan for optimal flavor and texture. You can adjust the Cajun seasoning or paprika to taste if you prefer a spicier or more smoky profile. The result is a restaurant-quality dish at home with a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, citrusy, and savory flavors.

This Cajun salmon and shrimp in garlic cream sauce is elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of seared salmon, tender shrimp, and rich sauce makes it satisfying, flavorful, and visually impressive.

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Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp and Salmon

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear seafood in batches if necessary to maintain a perfect crust.

• Control spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference.

• Sauce consistency: Simmer gently to thicken the sauce without curdling the cream.

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Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve this dish over linguine, fettuccine, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli pair beautifully with the rich garlic cream sauce.

For variation, swap the salmon for cod, halibut, or even scallops. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes to intensify flavor. This recipe is flexible while keeping its luxurious appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Both salmon and shrimp can be used from frozen, but it’s important to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw seafood overnight in the refrigerator or use a quick cold-water method if you’re short on time. Once thawed, pat the seafood thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential because water can prevent proper searing, dilute the sauce, and result in a less flavorful dish. Properly dried seafood will cook evenly, develop a nice golden crust on the salmon, and allow the shrimp to remain tender while fully absorbing the creamy garlic sauce.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare components of the dish ahead of time, which makes it convenient for weeknight dinners or entertaining. For best results, prep the garlic cream sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also season and portion the seafood ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the salmon and shrimp fresh just before serving. Cooking the seafood at the last moment ensures optimal texture—salmon remains flaky and tender, and shrimp stay juicy without becoming rubbery. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce gently, cook the seafood, and combine for a restaurant-quality meal in minimal time.

3. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! This dish is highly adaptable when it comes to spice. To increase the heat, you can add extra Cajun seasoning to the sauce or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust gradually and taste as you go to reach the desired spice level. Conversely, for a milder dish, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and rely on the garlic cream sauce for flavor. This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for family meals or dinner parties, as you can easily tailor the heat to suit everyone’s preferences.

4. Can I make it lighter?
Yes! There are several simple ways to lighten this dish without sacrificing flavor. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also slightly reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to cut fat while keeping the rich flavor. Another easy way to make the meal lighter is to serve it with steamed or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice, which increases nutrition and keeps the dish fresh and satisfying. These small adjustments allow you to enjoy the indulgent flavors of the garlic cream sauce in a healthier, more balanced meal.

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Final Thoughts

Easy Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce elevates a simple weeknight dinner into a luxurious experience. The creamy, garlicky sauce perfectly complements the bold flavors of the Cajun-seasoned seafood, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet approachable.

It’s a versatile recipe that balances elegance and comfort. Quick to prepare but rich in flavor, it’s perfect for impressing guests, enjoying a date night at home, or simply treating yourself to a sophisticated meal. The combination of tender shrimp, flaky salmon, and velvety sauce creates a dining experience that feels special, even on a busy evening.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients elevated with thoughtful seasoning and creamy indulgence. Easy to make, bold in flavor, and visually stunning, it’s the kind of weeknight dinner that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.

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