Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cajun Creamy Salmon and Shrimp is a luxurious dish that combines bold spices, tender seafood, and a luscious cream sauce. The Cajun seasoning provides the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, while the creamy sauce ties everything together into a rich, comforting meal. Salmon offers buttery flakes, and shrimp adds a delicate sweetness, creating a harmony of textures that feels both indulgent and nourishing. This recipe is versatile—it can be served over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Despite its restaurant-quality appeal, it comes together quickly, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the vibrant essence of Cajun cuisine blended with the smooth elegance of cream-based dishes. It’s a dish that impresses without requiring complicated techniques, making it a true culinary delight.
Cajun Creamy Delight: Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender salmon and juicy shrimp in a creamy, spiced sauce served over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
Instructions
- Season salmon and shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with salmon.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over pasta or rice.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning depending on spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish can also be served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon Fillets
Rich and buttery, salmon provides a hearty base for this dish. Its natural oils pair perfectly with creamy sauces.
Shrimp
Shrimp adds sweetness and a slightly firm texture, balancing the richness of the salmon.
Cajun Seasoning
This spice blend infuses the dish with bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
Garlic
Fresh garlic enhances the savory profile and deepens the sauce’s complexity.
Onion
Onion contributes a sweet, aromatic foundation, harmonizing with the Cajun spices.
Heavy Cream
Cream creates the luscious base of the sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
Butter
Butter enriches the sauce and adds a velvety mouthfeel.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan thickens the sauce slightly while adding sharp, nutty undertones.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sear the salmon and shrimp, ensuring a golden crust.
Lemon Juice
A touch of acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley brings a fresh herbal note and a pop of color for presentation.
Salt and Black Pepper
These essentials round out the flavors, enhancing every ingredient.
Directions
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry and seasoning them generously with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the salmon until golden on both sides, then set aside. Next, add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning lightly, and cook until just pink before removing them as well.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, letting it simmer gently as it thickens. Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth, then adjust seasoning with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat. Allow the seafood to simmer briefly in the sauce to absorb flavor. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with warm bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, while cooking takes 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Pasta Pairing
Serve the salmon and shrimp over fettuccine or linguine for a classic Cajun pasta dish.
Rice Base
Swap pasta for fluffy white rice or Cajun dirty rice for a Southern-style twist.
Extra Vegetables
Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick
Increase the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Lightened Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
Cheesy Upgrade
Mix in mozzarella or Gruyère for an even richer sauce.
Seafood Variety
Incorporate scallops or crab meat for a more indulgent seafood medley.
Herb Variation
Replace parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal accent.
Tomato Addition
Stir in sun-dried or cherry tomatoes for brightness and acidity.
Grain-Free Option
Pair with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best with this dish?
Fettuccine or linguine hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
How spicy is Cajun seasoning?
It varies—start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Should I remove salmon skin before cooking
You can leave it on for crispness or remove it if preferred.
Conclusion
Cajun Creamy Salmon and Shrimp is a decadent yet approachable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in under an hour. With bold Cajun spices, tender seafood, and a velvety sauce, it creates a memorable dining experience perfect for both weeknights and special gatherings. Its versatility allows it to pair well with pasta, rice, or fresh bread, and its customizable nature means you can adjust spice levels, add vegetables, or experiment with cheeses to suit your taste. This dish captures the essence of Cajun cuisine while remaining easy enough for any home cook to master.
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