A creamy Cajun masterpiece that brings restaurant flavor to your home kitchen.

When it comes to creating a luxurious dinner that’s both quick and indulgent, nothing beats a well-seared salmon paired with plump shrimp swimming in a rich Cajun cream sauce. This dish is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you're preparing a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this salmon and shrimp recipe is bound to be a hit.

Let’s explore how to make this flavorful dish, step by step.

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Ingredients You'll Need

To make this delicious salmon and shrimp with Cajun cream sauce, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets – skin on or off depending on preference. Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers the best texture and flavor.

• 10 large shrimp – peeled and deveined. Tail on for presentation if you like.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the seafood.

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – brings the bold, spicy kick that defines this dish.

• 1 cup heavy cream – the base of the rich, creamy sauce.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth.

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness and balance to the heat.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – gives the sauce its luscious, cheesy body.

• Salt and pepper to taste – to adjust seasoning.

• Fresh parsley, chopped – for color and a pop of freshness.

• Cooked pasta or rice – your choice of base to serve the creamy seafood over.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear beautifully without steaming in the pan. Season each fillet generously with salt, pepper, and a bit of the Cajun seasoning.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down if using skin-on. Let them sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the skin is crispy and the edges are opaque. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cooked through but still tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, toss in the shrimp and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they’re pink and just opaque. Be careful not to overcook them — shrimp cook quickly! Once done, remove and set aside with the salmon.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a touch more oil or a pat of butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Stir continuously as the cream begins to simmer gently. Add the Parmesan cheese and the rest of the Cajun seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top to coat them as well. Let everything simmer together for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.