Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo

There’s something undeniably indulgent about creamy Alfredo pasta, but when you elevate it with succulent shrimp and tender salmon, it transforms into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a seafood feast that feels luxurious yet requires minimal fuss, this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo is your perfect go-to. With a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, a hint of garlic, and a touch of fresh lemon, every bite is comforting, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner that feels extra special or a weekend treat for family and friends, this recipe checks all the boxes. In this post, I’ll walk you through every step — from ingredient breakdown to plating tips, storage, and even creative variations — so you can master this dish and impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo

This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish. Here’s why it stands out and why you’ll love making it:

• Rich, Creamy Sauce: The homemade Parmesan Alfredo sauce is silky smooth, perfectly coating the fettuccine and seafood.
• Seafood Perfection: Combining shrimp and salmon gives you layers of flavor and texture — tender salmon flakes paired with juicy, pink shrimp.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this meal takes only 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
• Fresh, Bright Finish: A squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley adds brightness, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Seafood pasta always impresses guests or family, making this dish a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list for your Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo, grouped for clarity. This recipe serves 4.

Seafood

• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)

Pasta

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6-8 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish & Flavor Enhancers

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this dish with ease, you’ll need the following:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining fettuccine
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese
• Tongs for tossing pasta and seafood

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for a flawless, creamy, seafood Alfredo.

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Seafood

Season the shrimp and salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until the shrimp are pink and the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Seafood and Sauce

Chop the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Return both the salmon and shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to ensure every strand is coated in the sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta, seafood, and sauce, and garnish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overcook seafood: Shrimp cooks quickly, and salmon can dry out if left too long. Timing is key.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Reserve pasta water: A small amount helps loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
• Low and slow with cream: Avoid boiling the cream; gentle simmering ensures a silky sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the seafood and add roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fettuccine or any other gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.
• Extra Zest: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

The Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo offers a luxurious combination of flavors:

• Creamy & Rich: The heavy cream and Parmesan create a velvety sauce.
• Buttery & Savory: Garlic and olive oil enhance depth of flavor.
• Light & Bright: Lemon juice and parsley cut through the richness for balance.
• Seafood Sweetness: Salmon’s mild taste and shrimp’s natural sweetness complement the cream sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes That Work Well

• Simple garlic bread
• Steamed or roasted green vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus)
• Light salad with lemon vinaigrette

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (4 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650 kcal	Moderate indulgence
Protein	40 g	High from salmon & shrimp
Carbohydrates	45 g	From pasta
Fat	35 g	From cream, cheese, and olive oil
Fiber	2 g	Minimal; add vegetables for extra
Sodium	Moderate	Can reduce by using less salt

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pasta: Cook pasta up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in boiling water for 1 minute before adding to sauce.
• Seafood: Best cooked fresh, but cooked salmon and shrimp can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Alfredo Sauce: Can be made ahead and gently reheated on low heat, stirring constantly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw thoroughly before cooking. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

2. Can this be made in one skillet?
Absolutely! Use a large skillet to cook both seafood and sauce for minimal cleanup.

3. What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine or tagliatelle also work.

4. Can I make it spicier?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add heat without overpowering the dish.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain sauce consistency.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 min
Cook Pasta	10 min
Cook Seafood	6-8 min
Make Sauce & Combine	6-8 min
Total Time	30 min

Serving Suggestions

• Plate the fettuccine in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce.
• Arrange salmon pieces evenly for visual appeal.
• Sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan on top just before serving.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo: Skip salmon, add extra garlic and butter for a shrimp-focused version.
2. Creamy Pesto Alfredo: Stir 2 tablespoons of pesto into the sauce for herbal depth.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for tang and color.
4. Lemon Herb Seafood Alfredo: Increase lemon juice and add thyme or basil for a brighter profile.

Ingredient Spotlight

Salmon

• Choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed for best flavor and nutrition.
• Store in the coldest part of your fridge and use within 1-2 days.
• Pair with citrus and herbs for a balanced flavor.

Shrimp

• Peeled and deveined shrimp save prep time.
• Fresh or frozen works, but avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
• Mild in flavor, perfect for absorbing sauces like Alfredo.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook seafood separately from pasta for precise timing.
• Use fresh Parmesan and freshly minced garlic for the best depth of flavor.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency without thinning it too much.
• Rest cooked salmon briefly before chopping to maintain flaky texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the sauce, as cream can separate. Freeze seafood and pasta separately without sauce if needed.
• Reheating: Gently warm over low heat, stirring often, and add cream or milk if sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650 kcal	Rich, satisfying meal
Protein	40 g	Seafood-focused
Carbs	45 g	From fettuccine
Fat	35 g	From cream & olive oil
Fiber	2 g	Minimal; add vegetables
Sodium	Moderate	Can reduce by limiting salt

Dietary Notes: Seafood-rich, gluten-containing (unless gluten-free pasta used), dairy included.

Expanded Conclusion

This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo is more than just pasta — it’s a comforting, luxurious meal that you can bring to your table in just 30 minutes. Silky, cheesy sauce, perfectly cooked seafood, and a hint of fresh lemon make it a dish that tastes far more complicated than it actually is. Whether it’s a special dinner for loved ones or a self-indulgent weeknight treat, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and elegance in every bite.

I encourage you to try it, personalize it with your favorite variations, and share the joy of seafood Alfredo with your family or friends. Once you make it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 650 kcal

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