The rich, garlicky cream sauce draped over the Cajun shrimp and salmon is the star of this dish, offering a perfect balance of spice and creamy goodness. The shrimp, perfectly seasoned with a mix of Cajun spices, bursts with flavor, while the tender salmon provides a subtle, buttery contrast. Together, they create a mouthwatering harmony that’s hard to resist. As the sauce slowly melts into the buttery mashed potatoes, every bite feels like a little celebration, with the creamy, silky potatoes soaking up all the delicious flavors. And those green beans? They bring the dish together with a bit of crunch and freshness, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of color to the plate. It’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and exciting—something you’ll want to make again and again. The best part? It’s one of those recipes that lets you show off your culinary skills while keeping the prep time manageable. Your guests will be so impressed, but only you will know how easy it was to pull off!
Key Ingredients in Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life, creating layers of flavor and texture that perfectly complement each other. From the bold Cajun seasoning to the creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, every element adds something special to this delicious meal.
* Shrimp: The shrimp, peeled and deveined, is the star of the show. It soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully and cooks to a juicy, tender perfection, making it the perfect partner for the rich, creamy sauce.
* Salmon Fillets: The tender salmon provides a delicate, buttery contrast to the boldness of the shrimp and cream sauce. It balances out the dish with its subtle flavor and flaky texture.
* Olive Oil: Used to sauté the shrimp and salmon, olive oil adds a light, fruity base while helping the spices and flavors to stick to the proteins.
* Cajun Seasoning: This is the heart of the flavor profile. The Cajun seasoning infuses the shrimp and salmon with smoky, spicy warmth, giving the dish its signature kick.
* Garlic Powder: A must-have for any savory dish, garlic powder rounds out the flavors, adding depth and richness to both the seafood and the creamy sauce.
* Paprika: This mild spice adds a sweet, smoky note to the dish, enhancing the Cajun seasoning and giving a little extra color to the cream sauce.
* Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder brings savory depth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
* Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients and seasoning the entire dish, from the seafood to the mashed potatoes.
* Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of heat and balances the richness of the cream sauce and butter.
* Butter: Butter is a key component in both the sauce and the mashed potatoes. It contributes a rich, smooth texture and a savory flavor that ties the entire dish together.
* Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is the aromatic base for the creamy sauce, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance as it sizzles in butter.
* Heavy Cream: The heavy cream forms the luscious, velvety sauce that envelops the shrimp and salmon, giving the dish its indulgent, creamy texture.
* Chicken Broth: The chicken broth adds just the right amount of liquid to create a sauce that’s rich but not too heavy, complementing the cream without making it greasy.
* Parmesan Cheese (grated): Parmesan cheese brings a touch of salty umami to the cream sauce, enhancing its richness and giving it a nice finish.
* Fresh Parsley (chopped): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness.
* Potatoes (peeled and diced): The creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food companion. The soft, buttery texture of the potatoes soaks up the garlic cream sauce, making every bite irresistible.
* Milk: Milk adds a smooth consistency to the mashed potatoes, creating a creamy texture that’s not too heavy.
* Butter: More butter here means more richness and flavor in the mashed potatoes. It makes them velvety and comforting, a perfect match for the seafood.
* Salt: A pinch of salt in the mashed potatoes brings out their natural flavor and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
* Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper in the mashed potatoes adds a little heat to complement the creaminess and season the dish perfectly.
* Fresh Green Beans (trimmed): The crisp green beans add a refreshing crunch and a burst of color to the plate, helping to balance the richness of the other components with their freshness.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for the cooking process.
2. In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together until combined.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both the shrimp and salmon fillets, ensuring that they’re coated on all sides.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you add the fish to get a good sear.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely.
6. Flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest while you cook the shrimp.
8. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. The shrimp should be juicy and perfectly cooked.
9. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon, ensuring they stay warm.
10. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. This will create the base for the garlic cream sauce.
11. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, but be careful not to burn it.
12. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
13. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, letting it reduce slightly so it thickens up into a creamy consistency.
14. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, rich sauce.
15. Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top of the seafood to let the flavors meld together.
16. Reduce the heat to low and let the seafood simmer in the sauce while you prepare the mashed potatoes and green beans.
17. In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
18. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Be careful when draining, as you want the potatoes to stay warm.
19. Add the milk, butter, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. This will create a comforting, velvety base for your dish.
20. Set the mashed potatoes aside, keeping them warm, ready for plating.
21. For the green beans, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes, just until they are tender but still bright green.
22. Drain the green beans and set them aside, keeping them fresh and crisp for the final dish.
23. To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. The potatoes will provide the perfect base for the flavorful seafood.
24. Top the potatoes with a salmon fillet and shrimp, then spoon the garlic cream sauce generously over the seafood. This step makes sure each bite is packed with flavor.
25. Arrange the green beans on the side of the plate, adding a pop of color and crunch to complement the creamy richness of the rest of the dish.
26. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of freshness and color before serving.
27. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, flavorful Cajun shrimp and salmon with garlic cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans!
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
* Pair with a crisp white wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and spiced seafood beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate with every bite.
* Add a side of crusty bread: A warm, buttery loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra garlic cream sauce. Trust me, no sauce should be left behind!
* Garnish with a lemon wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the seafood adds a delightful burst of acidity, brightening up the dish and enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and salmon.
How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Storing leftovers of this flavorful dish is a great way to keep enjoying it later, and with just a few tips, you’ll ensure it stays as delicious as when you first made it!
– Refrigerate the dish: Store the shrimp, salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans in separate airtight containers. The seafood and mashed potatoes will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the garlic cream sauce is also kept in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing odors in the fridge.
– Freeze for longer storage: If you want to save it for a later date, freeze the seafood and mashed potatoes in separate airtight freezer-safe containers. The seafood can be frozen for up to 2 months, while the mashed potatoes should last about 1 month. Be sure to allow everything to cool before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
– Reheat gently: To reheat, do so on low heat to preserve the tender texture of the seafood. For the mashed potatoes, adding a little extra milk or butter can help bring them back to their creamy consistency. The green beans can be quickly reheated in a skillet or microwave for a minute or two.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a delicious, comforting, and truly impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The Cajun shrimp and salmon with garlic cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans will surely become one of your go-to recipes. The bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender seafood all come together for a meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special gathering or simply treating yourself to a night of great food, this dish will never disappoint.
I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do! If you try it out, let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your thoughts or any tweaks you made. Feel free to ask any questions or share feedback if you need help along the way. Happy cooking!
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Description
Juicy Cajun shrimp and tender salmon, perfectly seared and smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce, paired with buttery mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. A bold, comforting dish bursting with flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the shrimp and salmon fillets.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
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Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
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Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.
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Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon.
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Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
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Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Return the shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the seafood simmer in the sauce while you prepare the mashed potatoes and green beans.
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In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover them with water.
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Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender.
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Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
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Add the milk, butter, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes and mash them until smooth and creamy.
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Set the mashed potatoes aside, keeping them warm.
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For the green beans, bring a separate pot of water to a boil.
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Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still bright green.
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Drain the green beans and set them aside.
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To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate.
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Top the potatoes with a salmon fillet and shrimp, then spoon the garlic cream sauce over the seafood.
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Arrange the green beans on the side.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Note
- For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To avoid overcooking the seafood, monitor the shrimp and salmon closely while cooking.
- For creamier mashed potatoes, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- If you prefer crispy green beans, sauté them in olive oil with garlic after boiling.
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a pescatarian version of this recipe.
