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A serving of Cajun shrimp and salmon with a rich garlic cream sauce.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Indulge in a fiery and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked salmon and shrimp, generously coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with a kick of Cajun spices. This recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan

Ingredients
  

Cajun Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your spice preference
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Seafood

  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets skin on or off
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare Cajun Seasoning

  • In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt; mix well.

Season Seafood

  • Pat the salmon and shrimp dry, then sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning evenly over them, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside any remaining seasoning.

Cook Salmon

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked through and flaky, then remove and set aside.

Cook Shrimp

  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside with the salmon.

Make Garlic Cream Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the skillet, and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Simmer Sauce

  • Pour in heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Finish Sauce

  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt, pepper, and remaining Cajun seasoning if desired.

Combine and Serve

  • Return cooked salmon and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Gently spoon sauce over seafood, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra spice, consider adding a pinch more cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning. If you don't have chicken or vegetable broth, you can use water with a bouillon cube, or even a splash of white wine for added flavor. Ensure salmon and shrimp are not overcooked to maintain their tender texture. Serve this dish with a side of rice or a light salad to complete the meal.