Description
This easy one-pan Cajun shrimp and salmon recipe features juicy seafood seared to perfection and smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and ready in under 35 minutes—perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless or skin-on)
- 1 lb large shrimp (12-16, peeled and deveined, tail-on preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets, skin-side down if using, and cook for 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through and golden. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon butter. Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and curled. Remove shrimp and set aside with salmon. Add more oil or butter if needed.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute, then add heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
- Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat seafood dry for the best sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Taste your Cajun seasoning for saltiness before adding extra salt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan butter. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet + 3-4 shrimp with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 38
Keywords: cajun shrimp and salmon, garlic cream sauce, one pan dinner, seafood recipe, easy weeknight meal, southern, spicy seafood, gluten free, creamy sauce, skillet dinner