Indulge in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Salmon Platter, featuring perfectly pan-seared salmon, juicy garlic butter shrimp, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Served with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables, this elegant seafood dinner is perfect for date nights, holidays, or any special occasion.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on or skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Shrimp

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Optional Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered rice
• Fettuccine or linguine
• Steamed asparagus
• Broccoli
• Green beans

Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on).

Cook for 4–5 minutes.

Flip carefully and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Transfer to a plate and loosely cover.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, heat:

• Olive oil
• Butter

Add the shrimp.

Season with:

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Transfer to the plate with the salmon.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Melt the butter in the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in:

• Heavy cream
• Broth

Stir well.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Whisk in:

• Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (if using)

Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.

Stir in:

• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Step 5: Combine

Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet.

Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the seafood.

Simmer gently for 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the salmon and shrimp with your favorite side dish.

Spoon extra sauce over the top.

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Platter

Pat the Seafood Dry

Dry salmon and shrimp develop a beautiful golden sear.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Cook just until pink and opaque to keep them juicy.

Use Fresh Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce without becoming grainy.

Simmer Gently

Avoid boiling the cream sauce to prevent it from separating.

Flavor Variations

Cajun Style

Replace the paprika with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy twist.

Lemon Herb Version

Add extra lemon zest and fresh dill for a bright, fresh flavor.

Mushroom Garlic Sauce

Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic.

Spinach Parmesan

Stir 2 cups baby spinach into the sauce until wilted.

White Wine Cream Sauce

Replace ¼ cup of the broth with dry white wine and let it reduce before adding the cream.

What to Serve With

Starches

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered rice
• Creamy risotto
• Pasta
• Roasted baby potatoes

Vegetables

• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Green beans
• Sautéed spinach
• Brussels sprouts

Bread

• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Crusty French bread

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate after thawing.

Reheating

Stovetop

Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Microwave

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring the sauce between each interval until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as directed.

What type of salmon is best?

Atlantic, King, Sockeye, or Coho salmon all work well.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

For the best texture, prepare the sauce ahead of time but cook the salmon and shrimp just before serving.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Recipe Notes

✅ Restaurant-quality seafood dinner.

✅ Rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

✅ Ready in just 40 minutes.

✅ High in protein.

✅ Perfect for entertaining.

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the creamy garlic sauce up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat it gently over low heat before adding freshly cooked salmon and shrimp.

Serving Suggestion

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered fettuccine, or fluffy jasmine rice with steamed asparagus or broccoli. Pair with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. 🐟🍤🧄🥔✨

Chef’s Secret

After searing the salmon, let it rest for 3–5 minutes before returning it to the sauce. This helps the fish stay moist and prevents it from breaking apart. Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley just before serving to brighten the rich, creamy flavors. 😋🍋🧄🍤🐟✨

FAQs

Can I use another fish?

Yes! Cod, halibut, trout, mahi-mahi, or sea bass are excellent alternatives.

Why did my cream sauce become grainy?

This usually happens if the heat is too high or pre-shredded Parmesan is used. Simmer gently and use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or asparagus pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Is this dish suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! Its elegant presentation and rich flavor make it perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, holiday dinners, or dinner parties.