Looking for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavor, comforting textures, and beautiful presentation? This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and garlic green beans is your answer. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or celebrating a special occasion, this meal is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, rich sauce, and perfectly balanced flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavors – Cajun seasoning brings a smoky kick to juicy shrimp and salmon, perfectly balanced by a creamy garlic sauce.
- Comforting & Satisfying – Mashed potatoes and crisp-tender green beans round out the dish for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
- Beautiful Presentation – Golden seared seafood, rich sauce, and bright veggies make every plate look as good as it tastes.
- Surprisingly Easy – Despite its elegance, this dish comes together in under an hour with simple techniques.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap proteins and veggies to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Calories per serving: ~600
Ingredients
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Cajun Shrimp and Salmon
- Season the seafood: Pat dry the salmon and shrimp. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the salmon and shrimp.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon (skin-side down if skin-on) for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Add butter and let it melt, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Thin with a splash of broth or water if needed.
- Combine seafood: Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top and heat through.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Sauté the Green Beans
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add green beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Plate mashed potatoes, top with a salmon fillet and shrimp, then spoon over garlic cream sauce.
- Add green beans on the side. Garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
- Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or Sunday meals.
- Add a Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for extra freshness.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough for holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries.
- Drink Pairing: Serve with sparkling lemonade or a light white wine to balance the creamy richness.
Tips & Variations
- Prep Ahead: Boil and chill the potatoes or sauté the green beans in advance to save time.
- Adjust the Heat: Omit paprika or reduce Cajun spice for a milder version—or add cayenne for more kick.
- Try New Proteins: Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken, or try cod or tilapia in place of salmon.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and vegan butter/cheese for a dairy-free version.
Storage & Reheating
- Best Fresh: This dish is best served right after cooking, especially the seafood.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet (for seafood and sauce)
- Medium skillet (for green beans)
- Pot (for boiling potatoes)
- Potato masher
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use another fish besides salmon?
Absolutely! Try cod, tilapia, or trout.
What sides work besides mashed potatoes?
Rice, couscous, or roasted veggies also make great options.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the potatoes and green beans ahead, but cook the seafood just before serving for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate feel-good meal—rich, flavorful, comforting, and stunning on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish will leave everyone full and impressed. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to favorite!