If you’re craving a creamy, seafood-inspired pasta that feels indulgent yet easy to make, Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon and juicy shrimp tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, flavorful, and elegant enough for a dinner party while being simple enough for a weeknight meal. I once tried this recipe using a touch of lemon zest and extra Parmesan — the result was bright, creamy, and absolutely divine. Whether served with a crisp salad or garlic bread, this pasta feels like a restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate combination of creamy and savory with a touch of elegance. The salmon adds a buttery richness, the shrimp brings sweetness, and the sauce ties everything together with its garlic, herbs, and Parmesan base. It’s a versatile recipe that works beautifully with any pasta type and is ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for seafood lovers, it’s both comforting and refined — a dish that satisfies every craving.
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Salmon and Shrimp Pasta: A Luxurious Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious, creamy seafood dish featuring tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1/2 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season salmon and shrimp with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant and translucent, about 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Return salmon, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce without breaking the salmon pieces.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan after cooking the seafood.
- Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillet – Fresh, skinless, and boneless for easy flaking; adds a buttery flavor and heartiness.
Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined; they cook quickly and pair beautifully with the salmon.
Pasta – Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the sauce perfectly.
Butter and olive oil – Used together to cook the seafood and form the base of the sauce.
Garlic – Adds a rich aroma and enhances the flavor of both the sauce and seafood.
Heavy cream – The key to the sauce’s creamy, luxurious texture.
Parmesan cheese – Gives a nutty, savory depth to the sauce.
Chicken or seafood broth – Adds flavor and keeps the sauce balanced.
Lemon juice and zest – Brighten the dish and balance the richness of the cream.
Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that complements the seafood beautifully.
Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for flavor.
Fresh parsley – Adds color and freshness to finish the dish.
Directions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the salmon and shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove, flake gently, and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in the broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan for flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Add lemon juice and zest, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the pasta, salmon, and shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the seafood from overcooking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Pasta
Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy, smoky twist with bold Southern flavors.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Use a lighter sauce made with garlic, butter, and lemon instead of cream.
Spinach and Mushroom Version
Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Tomato Cream Sauce
Stir in a few spoonfuls of marinara or tomato paste for a rosé-style sauce.
Pesto Shrimp and Salmon Pasta
Add a dollop of basil pesto for a fresh, herby variation.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Extra Cheesy
Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
White Wine Cream Sauce
Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding cream for extra depth of flavor.
Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Veggie Boost
Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a colorful and wholesome twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less thick; add extra Parmesan for richness.
4. Can I substitute the broth?
You can use water with a bouillon cube or seafood stock for added flavor.
5. How do I keep the salmon from breaking apart?
Cook it gently and flake it into large pieces at the end instead of stirring vigorously.
6. Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning for heat.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers work beautifully.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and seafood ahead and toss with pasta before serving.
9. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling once the cream is added.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides.
Conclusion
Salmon and Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your table. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with tender seafood, it’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.
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