Creamy Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp

Creamy Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp

ByVerj Recipes

This is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you should be eating it in a cozy little restaurant… except you’re at home, in slippers, and the only “reservation” you needed was having salmon in the fridge.

Creamy Cajun salmon and garlic butter shrimp is bold, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent. The salmon gets a gorgeous sear with those smoky spices, the shrimp cook up in minutes with a hit of garlic and butter, and then everything gets tucked into a creamy Cajun sauce that’s silky, lightly spicy, and impossible not to spoon over everything on your plate.

It’s perfect for date night at home, a treat-yourself weeknight, or anytime you want a dinner that feels fancy without being fussy. And the smell? Garlic, spice, and lemon all mingling in a hot skillet — it’s the kind of aroma that makes people wander into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?!”

Creamy Cajun Salmon & Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients

For the Salmon & Shrimp

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken or seafood broth

  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Season the Seafood

Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steam.

In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne (if using).

Rub the seasoning over the salmon and toss the shrimp in it too. Everything should look nicely coated and a little “spice-dusted.”

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the salmon in the pan (skin-side down if it has skin). Let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes so it gets that golden crust.

Flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until cooked through and flaky.

Remove the salmon to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp in Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter.

Once the butter melts, add the shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them.

Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the salmon.

4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Lower the heat to medium.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it smells amazing (don’t let it brown too much).

Pour in the broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and looks silky.

5. Finish the Sauce

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

Let it simmer gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it looks too thick, add a splash more broth. If it looks too thin, give it another minute or two.

6. Bring It All Together

Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet.

Spoon the sauce over the top and let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Finish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for that fresh, bright squeeze right at the end.

Presentation Tips

  • Serve this over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta — anything that catches sauce.

  • Plate the salmon first, nestle shrimp alongside, then drizzle sauce over everything like you mean it.

  • Add a lemon wedge on each plate and a little sprinkle of parsley for that “restaurant finish.”

  • If you want extra color, serve with sautéed spinach, asparagus, or roasted broccoli on the side.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 580 kcal per serving

  • 🍽️ Servings: 2 servings

Conclusion

If you love bold flavors and creamy sauces, this one’s going to be a favorite. You get the richness of butter and cream, the kick of Cajun spice, and that fresh little pop of lemon that keeps everything balanced. It’s comforting, impressive, and totally doable in about half an hour.

Make it soon — and maybe plan for extra sauce, because once you taste it, you’ll want it on everything.

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