This Creamy Salmon and Shrimp with Spinach Garlic Sauce is an elegant yet comforting seafood dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are topped with juicy, golden shrimp and smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, spinach, and herbs. Every bite is luxurious, flavorful, and satisfying—ideal for special dinners, guests, or when you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Shrimp
- 300 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Preparing the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon in the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Cook shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
Making the Creamy Spinach Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the broth and scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and thyme until melted and smooth.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Bringing Everything Together
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Place the shrimp on top of the salmon or around it.
Spoon the sauce generously over the seafood. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors blend without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered rice or risotto
- Pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Variations
- Tuscan style: Add sun-dried tomatoes
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Cheesy boost: Add mozzarella for extra creaminess
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook salmon—it should flake easily
- Use fresh spinach for best texture
- Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling
- Fresh Parmesan melts smoother than packaged
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Salmon and Shrimp with Spinach Garlic Sauce is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and silky cream sauce makes it an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table. 🍤🐟✨