Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

This is the kind of seafood dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it comes together right in one skillet. Tender seared salmon and juicy shrimp both get bathed in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan butter sauce, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Salmon and shrimp together. Two seafood favorites in one rich, comforting skillet.
• That creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Butter, cream, and Parmesan combine for a sauce that coats every bite.
• One skillet, easy cleanup. Everything from searing to simmering happens in the same pan.
• Ready in 35 minutes. A restaurant-quality dinner that comes together at home.

Ingredients

• 1 large salmon fillet
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

1. Season the seafood. Season the salmon and shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the salmon. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the shrimp. Add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the salmon.

4. Sauté the garlic. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Make the cream sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let the creamy garlic butter sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Add the Parmesan. Stir in the Parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. Return the salmon and shrimp. Place the salmon and shrimp back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce generously over the seafood.

8. Finish cooking. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked, the shrimp are heated through, and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

9. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

• Don’t fully cook the salmon in the first sear. Getting it golden and nearly done leaves room for it to finish gently in the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. Two to three minutes per side is enough; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. A hard boil can cause the cream to separate, so keep the heat moderate.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad also works well if you want something lighter alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions