Introduction
Ready to fire up your weeknight with something comforting, quick, and full of bold flavor? This Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is a show-stopping dish that brings restaurant-quality seafood straight to your table—in under 30 minutes. Creamy, garlicky, and just the right touch of Cajun heat, it’s one of those meals that makes everyone ask for seconds.
A little backstory: this recipe was born on a chilly Tuesday night when all I had were salmon fillets, frozen shrimp, and a dream of something rich and satisfying without turning the kitchen upside down. One skillet later—magic! It quickly became a family favorite.
What makes it so special? You get flaky salmon, juicy shrimp, and a velvety garlic herb sauce with just enough Cajun kick. It’s a breeze to make and works for nearly every diet—just swap out cream for coconut milk if you’re dairy-free.
If you loved my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Pasta, you’re going to adore this one. It’s just as easy, maybe even faster—and definitely more ocean-inspired. So grab your skillet and let’s make some flavor happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ One skillet = minimal cleanup
- ✅ Low-carb, keto-friendly, and easily dairy-free
- ✅ Bold Cajun flavor with creamy comfort
- ✅ Great for dinner guests or quiet nights in
- ✅ Pairs perfectly with rice, veggies, or pasta
- ✅ Family-approved and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the seafood:
- 1 lb salmon fillet (skin on or off), cut into 4 portions
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (low-sodium if possible)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Season the Seafood
- Pat the salmon and shrimp dry using paper towels—this helps get a better sear.
- Season the salmon and shrimp on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 5 minutes.
2. Sauté the Garlic
- In a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
3. Cook the Salmon
- Place the salmon portions into the hot skillet, skin-side down if using.
- Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp
- Add a splash of oil if needed, then add the shrimp to the same skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, curled, and opaque. Remove and set aside.
5. Deglaze and Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat slightly. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Bring It All Together
- Stir in the chopped parsley and chives.
- Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over everything.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes to reheat and coat evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, spooned generously with that garlic-herb cream sauce. It goes beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Mashed cauliflower or potatoes
- Garlic butter pasta or orzo
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Zoodles or sautéed spinach for low-carb
Want a light lunch twist? Chill leftovers and serve over a salad with lemon vinaigrette.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon or shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium heat from the Cajun seasoning. Use less if sensitive to spice.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
We don’t recommend it—milk can curdle and won’t thicken as well. Use cream or coconut milk.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use full-fat coconut milk and skip the chives if needed.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Cook everything, cool, and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: ~430 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: depends on seasoning used
Note: Based on heavy cream; values may differ slightly with coconut milk.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the seafood well: Helps achieve a nice crust and prevents steaming.
- Use a cast-iron skillet: It retains heat and gives a better sear.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon should flake easily, and shrimp should be firm, not rubbery.
- Adjust seasoning: Cajun blends vary. Start light—you can always add more.
- Cream too thick? Add a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Conclusion
This Cajun Salmon & Shrimp in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is everything a great weeknight dinner should be—fast, full of flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this meal is the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome.
If you enjoyed this dish, check out other quick skillet dinners like my Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Bites or the always-loved One-Skillet Ravioli & Steak.
Try it, tweak it, and make it yours—then come back and let me know how it went. Happy cooking!