If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, smooth textures, and fresh colors, the Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This meal brings together perfectly seasoned, succulent seafood with a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, every bite delivers a harmonious blend of spice, richness, and freshness that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

A white plate holds a meal with several distinct parts: on one side, there is a pile of cooked shrimp coated in a light brown creamy sauce with visible flecks of green herbs; next to it, a serving of bright green cooked green beans placed in a neat row; in the center front, a crispy grilled salmon fillet with a dark, slightly charred surface sits on a smooth bed of white mashed potatoes, which are partially covered with the same creamy sauce that surrounds the shrimp. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly straightforward but essential—they work together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that transform a simple dinner into something spectacular.

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets about 6 ounces each for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the Cajun seasoning wonderfully.
Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that brings heat, smoky notes, and a hint of earthiness to your seafood.
Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika and garlic powder: These powders deepen the complexity of the spice mix with sweet and aromatic elements.
Salt and pepper: Simple yet indispensable to bring out the natural flavors of every component.
Minced garlic: For that lush, fragrant base in the cream sauce that every garlic lover will celebrate.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: These ingredients come together to create a silky sauce that clings lovingly to the seafood.
Unsalted butter: Adds a smooth, rich mouthfeel to both the sauce and mashed potatoes.
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness and balances the entire dish.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet work beautifully for mash that’s creamy, fluffy, and comforting.
Milk: To ensure your mashed potatoes reach that perfect, luscious texture.
Green beans: Fresh and vibrant, these are the crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley and lemon wedges add a pop of color and zesty freshness.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Cajun Shrimp and Salmon

First, give your seafood the spotlight with a flavorful Cajun seasoning blend. Pat your shrimp and salmon dry to ensure they sear beautifully, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Heating olive oil in a skillet, cook the salmon skin-side down to develop a crisp, golden crust. After resting the salmon, use the same pan to quickly sauté the shrimp until they’re perfectly pink and tender. This method locks in juices while layering flavor.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet keeps all those lovely browned bits for extra depth. Gently sauté the minced garlic in olive oil—keep your eyes on it so it doesn’t burn—then add butter and heavy cream. Let the cream gently thicken before stirring in Parmesan cheese for a subtle nuttiness and silky finish. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce, harmonizing beautifully with the spice and richness. Return the seafood to the skillet, coating it with the luscious sauce, letting everything warm together.

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While your seafood simmers, get those potatoes going. Boil the peeled, cubed potatoes until fork tender so they mash flawlessly. Return them to the pot and add butter and milk, along with a sprinkle of garlic powder if you like, for an extra flavor boost. Mash everything to creamy perfection—smooth but with a little heart and soul. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, because potatoes are all about seasoning.

Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans

A simple sauté in olive oil with garlic powder brings out the best in fresh green beans. Cook them until they’re tender-crisp—bright green with a slight crunch. This quick cooking retains their delightful texture and fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the seafood and potatoes on the plate.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Start by plating a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes—this cozy base cradles the seafood perfectly. Nestle a salmon fillet and several shrimp atop the mash, then lavish the entire plate with that dreamy garlic cream sauce, letting it cascade onto the potatoes. Finish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and a wedge of lemon for anyone who wants that extra citrus zing. Serve the sautéed green beans on the side, and get ready for a meal that feels as indulgent as it is comforting.

How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a lively green pop against the creamy sauce and golden seafood, while lemon wedges offer the opportunity for guests to add zesty brightness at their discretion. These little touches don’t just decorate the plate—they elevate every bite with freshness and balance.

Side Dishes

Though this recipe is satisfying on its own, you can expand its appeal with a crisp garden salad or crusty garlic bread. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, while warm bread is a delicious companion for sopping up every last bit of garlic cream sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the salmon and shrimp on a large platter surrounded by green beans and mashed potato “nests.” Drizzle the garlic cream sauce artistically over the seafood and potatoes for a restaurant-quality look that’s sure to impress. Personalize each plate with microgreens or edible flowers for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the seafood and sauce together to retain moisture and flavor, and store the green beans separately to preserve their texture.

Freezing

While mashed potatoes freeze well, the delicate texture of the shrimp and salmon along with the cream sauce may not hold up as nicely. If you must freeze leftovers, do so within 24 hours and use a freezer-safe container. Plan to thaw overnight in the fridge and consume soon after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat to warm the seafood and sauce without drying or curdling. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Reheat mashed potatoes slowly in the microwave or on the stove, adding more milk or butter to refresh their texture. Warm green beans briefly to keep them crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors and interfering with the sear.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the garlic cream sauce?

For a lighter version, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream can work, though the sauce will be less rich and thick. Coconut cream is a non-dairy alternative but will add a subtle coconut flavor.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The Cajun seasoning has a noticeable but manageable heat with smoky and earthy undertones. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount slightly or use a mild Cajun blend.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?

You can peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and even mix your seasoning. Mashed potatoes can also be made and stored, then reheated with a little added milk or butter for freshness.

What’s the best way to get crispy salmon skin?

Start with a very hot skillet and cook the salmon skin-side down without moving it for several minutes. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible. Make sure the skin is well-dried before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe feels like a special celebration on a plate, yet it’s surprisingly approachable to make any night of the week. The harmony of spicy, creamy, fresh, and comforting elements invites you to savor each forkful, making it a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the delicious magic for yourself!