This is the kind of seafood dinner that looks impressive but comes together surprisingly easily. Tender salmon and juicy shrimp both get seared, then bathed in a creamy lemon garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s rich, fresh, and flavorful, perfect for a special dinner for two that doesn’t take much effort at all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Salmon and shrimp together. Two seafood favorites in one rich, flavorful skillet.
- That creamy lemon garlic sauce. Parmesan and fresh lemon balance the richness beautifully.
- Ready in 30 minutes. An elegant dinner that doesn’t take all evening.
- A recipe for two. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a small, special meal.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for serving
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon & Shrimp Skillet
1. Season the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the salmon. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
4. Start the garlic sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make it creamy. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Bring the seafood together. Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the salmon and shrimp and cook gently for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
7. Finish and serve. Sprinkle the creamy salmon and shrimp with fresh parsley and add lemon slices around the skillet. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Salmon & Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the salmon in the sear. Getting it golden and just cooked through leaves room for it to warm gently again in the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. One to two 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 Lemon Garlic 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
Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp?
Yes, just thaw both completely and pat dry before searing so they brown properly instead of steaming.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich than with heavy cream.
Can I double this recipe for more servings?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just use a larger skillet so the salmon and shrimp have room to sear properly.
Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon & Shrimp Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the salmon and shrimp and cook gently for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Sprinkle the creamy salmon and shrimp with fresh parsley and add lemon slices around the skillet. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
