If you have been on the lookout for a dish that brings together the lushness of seafood and the creamy comfort of pasta, this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich yet perfectly balanced plate of flavor where tender salmon and succulent shrimp swim in a velvety, garlicky Alfredo sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Every bite is a delightful harmony of textures and taste that will charm your palate and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe hinges on ingredients that are straightforward but packed with flavor, each one playing a crucial role in crafting that luxurious texture and mouthwatering taste. From fresh seafood to golden butter and sharp Parmesan, these essentials come together to create the magic of this dish.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect foundation that holds on to the creamy sauce with every twirl.
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds richness and a beautiful flaky texture to the dish.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Brings sweetness and a tender bite, complementing the salmon wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the seafood, providing a lovely golden crust and depth of flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and savory notes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the Alfredo sauce its signature creamy, luscious body.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, this cheese melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds velvety richness and helps develop the sauce’s smooth texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A subtle kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: A hint of smoky warmth that gives the salmon just a touch of zest.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright finish that adds color and a gentle herbal note.
- Lemon wedges, for garnish: The perfect citrus contrast to cut through the richness.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your fettuccine until it reaches that ideal al dente texture, tender but with a bit of bite. This is key because the pasta will soak up the creamy sauce later, and you want it to hold up beautifully without getting mushy. Once done, drain it well and set it aside, ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your salmon pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cooking the salmon just right—about 3 to 4 minutes per side—ensures it stays moist and flaky. When it’s cooked through with a lovely golden crust, take it off the heat and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. When hot, add the shrimp and let them cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a pretty pink and opaque. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye so they stay tender, never rubbery. Remove them and set aside alongside the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
This is where the magic really happens. Melt the butter in your skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, letting it sauté just long enough to awaken those fragrances without burning. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it simmer until it thickens slightly. Add your Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until silky smooth. A final seasoning with salt and pepper rounds out the sauce’s rich, dreamy flavor perfectly.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Seafood
Return cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss it gently in that velvety Alfredo sauce so every strand is luxuriously coated. Then, fold in your cooked salmon and shrimp with care, allowing the seafood to mingle with the creamy sauce and pasta for an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for that pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges on the side — a quick squeeze brightens everything up and balances the indulgence.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges do wonders to elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile of this dish. The parsley adds a fresh, green contrast to the creamy sauce, while lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness providing a lively finish to each bite.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe with something light and fresh, like a crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus. These sides provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta and seafood, balancing the meal elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Alfredo pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the seafood nestled within the noodles. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a tiny sprinkle of paprika over the top for color. For a fun twist, you can tuck some edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality presentation right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and believe me, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish is best eaten within 2 days to keep the seafood fresh and the sauce creamy without separation.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, it’s not ideal because Alfredo sauce tends to separate upon thawing. If you must, freeze in an airtight container and consume within a month. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent curdling. You can add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture can suffer.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta besides fettuccine?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and holds the Alfredo sauce beautifully, you can substitute with linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne if preferred. Just ensure the pasta shape complements the creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can swap heavy cream and butter for coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. The flavor will differ slightly but can still be delicious!
How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, typically after 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Shrimp turn pink and curl slightly when done, cooking in just a few minutes on each side.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger gatherings?
Yes, you can double or even triple the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure your cooking vessels are large enough and adjust cooking times slightly, especially when searing the seafood in batches.
What wine pairs well with Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, as their acidity balances the creamy sauce and complements the seafood’s delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you make it, yet it’s surprisingly simple enough for a weeknight feast. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how the luscious sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to deliver something unforgettable. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
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Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and decadent Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo featuring tender seafood combined with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce and fettuccine pasta, ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Melt the butter over medium heat in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta and Seafood: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the cooked salmon and shrimp carefully to distribute them throughout the dish without breaking the fish apart.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pasta. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrus brightness.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon and shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like linguine or tagliatelle if preferred.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
