Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
If you love the rich, creamy comfort of Italian classics, this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender, flaky salmon and succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all perfectly coating al dente fettuccine noodles. It’s a beautiful balance of seafood freshness with indulgent, velvety sauce that feels both elegant and totally cozy. Whether for a special dinner or a satisfying treat on any night, this recipe brings seafood Alfredo straight to your table with ease and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe serves a delicious purpose, from building depth in the sauce to adding fresh, vibrant flavors. You don’t need a long grocery list to make this dish shine, just a few key elements that come together for hearty, satisfying results.
- 8 oz fettuccine: The classic pasta choice for Alfredo, providing great texture and surface for the sauce to cling to.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps cook the seafood perfectly.
- 1 salmon fillet, skinless: Flaky and flavorful, salmon brings a hearty, satisfying seafood bite.
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and sweet, shrimp adds a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The base for that indulgent Alfredo sauce — silky and rich.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, this cheese melts into the sauce for classic Alfredo taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic punch and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the dish’s natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking the fettuccine according to the package’s instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures your pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite, perfect for coating with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside so it’s ready to absorb all that incredible flavor later.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and season your salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Carefully cook the salmon for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s flaky and opaque. Cooking it just right is key — you want that moist, tender flesh that will break apart beautifully in the final dish. Remove the salmon and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the shrimp along with the minced garlic. Sauté them just until the shrimp turn a lovely pink color, usually around 3 minutes. The garlic will release its fragrance, infusing the shrimp with subtle warmth — a perfect pairing for the creamy sauce that’s coming next.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the cream, creating a rich and velvety sauce. This step is where all your flavors marry together, turning simple ingredients into that famous luxurious Alfredo base.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Seafood
Gently add the cooked fettuccine, sautéed shrimp, and flaked salmon into the sauce. Toss everything carefully to ensure every strand of pasta and every bite of seafood is coated with that silky Alfredo goodness. The key here is a light touch — you want the flavors to blend without breaking apart the delicate fish too much.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s ready to plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and that fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a lovely vibrant green and a subtle peppery flavor. If you want to elevate it further, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest brightens the creamy richness with a zesty contrast. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is always a winner too.
Side Dishes
Light, crisp sides work wonderfully with this creamy main. Consider serving alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a warm veggie complement. A crusty loaf of garlic bread also pairs perfectly, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, toss the pasta and seafood into warmed shallow bowls and garnish with a delicate parsley bouquet. You could also plate it by twirling the fettuccine into neat nests topped with the salmon flaked on top and shrimp arranged around artistically. This dish is stunning in its simplicity, so a minimalistic approach with fresh herbs and lemon slices can make it look restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools, it might look a little thicker when cold, but reheating will restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh because freezing can affect the texture of the cream sauce and seafood. If you must freeze, separate the pasta from the sauce and seafood, freezing components individually in airtight containers. Use within 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce or drying out the seafood. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently until warmed through, and avoid microwaving at high heat for the best results and preserved flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor when sautéed.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
While traditional Alfredo sauce relies on cream and Parmesan, you can try substitutes like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will be different. Adding a bit of vegan Parmesan-style cheese can help mimic the cheesy depth.
What type of salmon works best here?
Fresh, skinless salmon fillets like Atlantic or Pacific salmon are ideal. They cook evenly and flake nicely, which is perfect for mixing into the Alfredo sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently while stirring before combining with pasta and seafood. Just be cautious not to overheat to keep the sauce smooth.
How can I tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside. Overcooking will dry it out, so aim for a slightly springy texture when pressed lightly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is like inviting a little bit of restaurant magic into your own kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests or special occasions. The combination of seafood with a rich, creamy sauce and comforting pasta is just pure joy on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it can become one of your favorite meals to make and share.
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Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and indulgent Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo featuring fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich Parmesan and garlic heavy cream sauce, combined with perfectly cooked salmon fillet and tender shrimp, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful seafood pasta dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine
Seafood
- 1 salmon fillet, skinless
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Bring it to a simmer and then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood: Add the cooked fettuccine, shrimp, and flaked salmon back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley to garnish for the best flavor and presentation.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp or salmon to maintain a tender texture.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for optimal melting and flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use light cream and reduce cheese quantity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
