Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon recipe features perfectly seasoned seafood cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans for a balanced and flavorful meal. The Cajun seasoning provides a smoky, spicy kick, while the garlic cream sauce adds luxurious richness. A wholesome dinner ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Shrimp and Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Seafood: Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Evenly coat both sides of the salmon and shrimp with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown crust forms and fish is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and keep with salmon.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sauté minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with splash of water or broth if needed.
- Combine Seafood and Sauce: Return shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and let heat together for a couple of minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, milk, garlic powder (optional), salt, and pepper to potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Sauté the Green Beans: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add trimmed beans and cook 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Plate the Dish: Serve mashed potatoes topped with a salmon fillet and several shrimp. Drizzle with garlic cream sauce and garnish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve sautéed green beans on the side.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, cook cream mixture a bit longer before adding Parmesan.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for milder or spicier flavor.
- Substitute milk with cream or half-and-half for richer mashed potatoes.
- Green beans can be steamed instead of sautéed for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, salmon recipe, garlic cream sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, seafood dinner, easy weeknight meal