Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp Pasta

Description of this recipe

This recipe brings the elegance of a fine-dining restaurant to your home kitchen. Imagine perfectly cooked salmon fillets, succulent shrimp, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce clinging to every strand of linguine. This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp Pasta is a symphony of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly simple to create. It’s an ideal dish for special occasions, romantic dinners, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of seafood, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is truly irresistible.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll adore this recipe for several reasons:

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate a gourmet experience in your own kitchen without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this dish can be on your table in under an hour.
Versatile: Customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or using different types of pasta.
Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta is guaranteed to impress family and friends, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the salmon and shrimp, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Balanced Meal: Offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The seafood is packed with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredients:

For the Seafood:

2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each), skin-on or skinless, preferably wild-caught for best flavor
1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, from about ½ lemon

For the Pasta & Sauce:

1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta, high-quality bronze-die pasta recommended
4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
6 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth for a more intense flavor)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with generously salted water (about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water). Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the linguine or fettuccine to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, until al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian – slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a perfectly emulsified and creamy sauce.
Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon and Shrimp

Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the seafood from steaming in the pan.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both the salmon and shrimp, ensuring they are well coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough so the butter melts quickly.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown (if using skin-on) and the flesh is opaque about halfway up the sides.
Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and curl up into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. This adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the seafood and sauce.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the salmon.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth (or seafood broth) and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is creamy.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Gently nestle the salmon fillets and shrimp on top of the pasta.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy! Offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta, if desired.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: Medium. Requires some multitasking but is generally straightforward.
Flavor Complexity: High. A harmonious blend of seafood, garlic, butter, and Parmesan.
Presentation: High. A beautiful and impressive dish perfect for entertaining.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the pasta at its best texture and the sauce at its creamiest.
Pair with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
For a complete meal, add steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood perfectly.

Tips:

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality salmon and shrimp for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked salmon and shrimp can be dry and rubbery. Cook them just until they are cooked through.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before adding the pasta and seafood.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories:

Approximately 750-900 per serving

Protein:

Approximately 45-55 grams per serving

Sodium:

Approximately 800-1200 mg per serving

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, and a way to bring a touch of gourmet elegance to your home. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this pasta is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece!

Questions and Answers about this recipe

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon and shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water thawing method. Pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.

Q2: Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

A: While heavy cream contributes to the richness and creaminess of the sauce, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening. Keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick or decadent.

Q3: I don’t have linguine or fettuccine. Can I use other types of pasta?

A: Absolutely! You can use other types of pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta). The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well.

Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: If you like a little heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Another option is to use spicy Italian sausage instead of shrimp.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?

A: Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to add nutrients and flavor to this dish. Some good options include asparagus, broccoli, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before making the sauce.