If you are craving a rich and comforting seafood pasta that feels luxurious yet surprisingly simple to make, this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender chunks of salmon and succulent shrimp enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine—this meal brings an irresistible blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe works together beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. The list might be simple, but each component is crucial to achieving that creamy, savory perfection with a fresh seafood twist.
- Salmon fillets: Use fresh, skinless fillets cut into chunks to ensure tender bites and vibrant flavor.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined to make cooking quick and eating effortless.
- Fettuccine pasta: The wide noodles hold onto the creamy sauce, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the seafood beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Boosts richness and helps build that signature velvety Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant, aromatic base that complements the seafood.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce that makes it silky and indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt perfectly, bringing sharp, nutty depth.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Boost the savory flavors with subtle seasoning layers.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to elevate every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to add a burst of color and freshness at the finish.
- Optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes: To garnish with a zing or a gentle heat kick if you like.
How to Make Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles have just the right bite to stand up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the seafood and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the salmon chunks. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re just cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Handling the salmon gently means it’ll stay tender and juicy. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the shrimp
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and toss in the shrimp. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Because shrimp cook so quickly, they need just a little time to avoid toughness. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo sauce
Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking just until fragrant, about a minute. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Then, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 5: Combine all ingredients
Return the cooked fettuccine, salmon, and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta and seafood are fully coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes just to warm through, melding all those flavors together perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of bright green color but also a hint of herbaceous freshness to balance the richness. If you like, add a little lemon zest to brighten every bite or a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta loves company! A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed broccoli can offer a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser too, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce. Consider roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach if you want to round out the meal with more greens and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, plate this dish atop a beautiful white platter and arrange the seafood chunks artfully over the pasta. Adding edible flowers or a lemon wedge on the side can elevate presentation further. Or try serving individual portions in shallow bowls to contain all that creamy goodness while feeling cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The seafood and sauce cling to the pasta, so it reheats beautifully if handled gently.
Freezing
While freezing seafood Alfredo dishes isn’t ideal because cream sauces can separate, you can freeze the cooked pasta separately without the sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and then freshly prepare the sauce and seafood for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to rejuvenate the sauce’s texture. Stir gently and warm evenly until the dish is hot throughout without overcooking the delicate salmon and shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for Alfredo, you can swap in linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne. The key is choosing pasta shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce may be less rich but still delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the salmon and shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout, while shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep both tender and juicy.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even peas make lovely additions that bring color, texture, and nutrition to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs vraiment add brightness. Alternatives like basil or chives can also complement the flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh seafood wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a special treat any night of the week. Once you try it, you’ll see how approachable yet impressive this dish is—and it’s sure to become a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ingredients, invite a friend over, and dive into this seafood Alfredo delight with joy and confidence!
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Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo is a luxurious seafood pasta dish featuring tender chunks of salmon and succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked fettuccine is enveloped in a homemade Alfredo sauce flavored with garlic and butter, making it an indulgent yet approachable meal. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, ideal for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed and cut into chunks
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the seafood and sauce.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon chunks and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the salmon.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is melted, smooth, and thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Seafood: Add the cooked fettuccine, shrimp, and salmon back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and seafood are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Add optional lemon zest or red pepper flakes for extra brightness or heat, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter Alfredo sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or fresh spinach to the pasta for added vegetables and nutrients.
- Be careful not to overcook the seafood to maintain tenderness.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for best melting and flavor.
