Description
Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp Over Creamy Pasta
“Perfectly seared salmon and shrimp, served over a bed of creamy garlic pasta with roasted asparagus—an elegant and delicious seafood delight!”
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Shrimp:
2 salmon fillets
8 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Garlic Pasta:
12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
For the Roasted Asparagus:
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Roast for 10-12 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon & Shrimp
Season salmon fillets and shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter, add garlic, and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and broth, then stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until fully coated.
Plate the pasta and top with seared salmon, shrimp, and roasted asparagus.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Pair with a crisp white wine for the ultimate seafood experience!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preheating your oven for the asparagus and salting water for the pasta. While they cook, prepare your proteins. Pat the salmon and shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a proper sear. Season them generously. Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet for searing to maintain even heat. After removing the salmon and shrimp, don’t clean the pan; those browned bits (fond) will add incredible flavor to your creamy sauce. When making the sauce, keep the heat at a medium simmer to prevent the cream from separating and ensure the Parmesan melts smoothly into a velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this dish family-style on a large platter for a dramatic presentation, or portion individually for a restaurant-quality feel. The lemon wedges are not just garnish; a generous squeeze of fresh juice over the seafood brightens the entire dish. For wine pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the richness perfectly. If serving for a special dinner, start with a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent main course.
How-to Summary
This elegant meal comes together by managing three key components in sequence: roast asparagus, cook pasta, then sear seafood and build the sauce in the same pan. The foundational technique is using one skillet to cook the salmon, shrimp, and sauce, layering flavors. The final assembly is simply tossing the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce and topping it with the seafood and asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon? Yes, but fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and pat them extremely dry to avoid steaming.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk, as it may curdle.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can trim the asparagus and measure your seasonings ahead. However, for best results, cook everything fresh.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it? Simply add a small splash of the reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or extra cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying Proteins: Adding wet salmon or shrimp to the hot pan causes steaming instead of searing, leading to rubbery texture.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the salmon fillets with space between them. If necessary, cook in batches.
- High Heat for the Sauce: After adding cream and Parmesan, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the sauce to break or the cheese to become grainy.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when opaque and forming a “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp over Creamy Pasta is a show-stopping meal that expertly balances luxurious, rich flavors with bright, fresh accents. By following the sequential steps and tips provided, you can confidently create a restaurant-worthy seafood dinner at home. The key lies in the simple technique of building layers of flavor in one pan, resulting in a harmonious and impressively delicious dish perfect for any special occasion or a decadent weeknight treat.