Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Pasta
Introduction
Looking for a decadent seafood pasta dish that’s surprisingly easy to make? This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Pasta brings bold flavors, rich texture, and a restaurant-style finish to your home kitchen. With flaky seared salmon, juicy shrimp, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe makes an unforgettable dinner for date night, holidays, or when you just want to treat yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two luxurious proteins: salmon and shrimp
- Rich, creamy sauce made with real garlic and Parmesan
- Simple one-pan prep for the sauce and seafood
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Customizable with vegetables like cherry tomatoes and peas
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Shrimp
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or off, ~6 oz each)
- 6–8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt & black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti recommended)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
- Calories: ~620 kcal per serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (follow package directions).
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon and Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear salmon, skin-side down (if applicable), for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add shrimp to the same pan, season lightly, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let it melt and thicken.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes and peas (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Use reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen sauce if needed.
- Nestle the cooked salmon and shrimp on top.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook seafood—shrimp should just turn pink, and salmon should flake easily with a fork.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and a smooth sauce texture.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for a veggie-packed variation.
- Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter version (reduce cheese slightly).
- For more heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the sauce
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Add a side salad of arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Finish the meal with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites or Blueberry Lemonade
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Note: Seafood is best fresh—reheating may affect texture slightly.
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that feels gourmet but takes less than an hour to prepare. Rich, savory, and bursting with flavor, it’s an instant classic for special occasions or when you’re just craving seafood pasta done right.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac to show off your creamy seafood creation. For more elevated but easy meals, follow Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac kitchen.
