Description
Creamy Seafood Alfredo with Salmon and Shrimp
A decadent pasta dish combining rich flavors and perfectly cooked seafood for an unforgettable meal!
Ingredients
For the Seafood:
2 salmon fillets
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the fettuccine in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Seafood:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon and shrimp with salt and pepper.
Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the shrimp in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and tender.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine:
Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Plate the pasta and top with the seared salmon and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley.
A luxurious meal perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dinner night!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Pat the salmon and shrimp dry. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine to al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sear Seafood: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook salmon (skin-side down first if skin-on) for 3-4 mins per side. Remove. Add shrimp to the same skillet, cooking 2-3 mins per side until opaque. Remove.
4. Build Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Finish Sauce: Turn off heat. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add nutmeg if using. If sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
6. Combine & Serve: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Plate pasta immediately, top with salmon and shrimp, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish immediately while hot. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For wine, a buttery Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio complements the seafood and sauce perfectly. Crusty garlic bread is essential for soaking up every bit of the Alfredo sauce.
How-to Summary
Boil fettuccine. Sear seasoned salmon and shrimp in olive oil, then set aside. In the same pan, make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, simmering cream, and whisking in Parmesan. Toss the pasta in the sauce, plate, and top with the cooked seafood. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon? Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning to ensure proper searing and to prevent a watery sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. You can also use a lighter fish like cod.
My sauce broke or became grainy. How do I fix it? This happens if the heat is too high when adding cheese. Remove from heat immediately and vigorously whisk in a splash of hot cream or pasta water until it re-emulsifies.
Can I prepare any components ahead? You can prep the seafood and sauce ingredients ahead, but cook and assemble just before serving, as the pasta and seafood are best fresh.
What other seafood works well? Scallops, lump crab meat, or lobster tails are excellent, luxurious additions or substitutions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Seafood: Salmon and shrimp cook quickly. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are just cooked through.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Always grate a block of Parmesan fresh for a silky sauce.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: The starchy water is crucial for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Always remove the skillet from heat or reduce to very low before whisking in the Parmesan.
Conclusion
This Creamy Seafood Alfredo is a show-stopping dish that balances luxurious, rich sauce with perfectly cooked salmon and shrimp. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for impressing guests or turning an ordinary evening into a special occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!