Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Shrimp

Some recipes feel a little luxurious without actually being difficult, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp is exactly that kind of dish.

You get tender, flaky salmon, juicy shrimp, and a rich garlic butter sauce that turns silky and creamy with Parmesan, broth, and a splash of lemon. The whole skillet smells incredible while it cooks, especially once the garlic hits the melted butter.

It’s the kind of meal that works beautifully for a cozy weekend dinner, a date-night style meal at home, or anytime you want something comforting that still feels a little special. The sauce is rich, but the lemon and herbs keep it fresh and balanced.

And the best part is that everything comes together in one pan in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, optional

Instructions

Start by patting the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing the extra moisture helps both develop better color in the skillet.

Season the salmon and shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets. Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. You want that beautiful golden crust to form.

Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until it is almost cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate.

Add the shrimp to the same skillet. Cook them for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, since they’ll go back into the sauce later.

Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the salmon.

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir for about 30 seconds. The kitchen should smell wonderfully garlicky at this point.

Pour in the broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those little bits add so much flavor to the sauce.

Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Parmesan, stirring as it melts into the cream. The sauce should become smooth, glossy, and slightly thicker.

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley.

Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon plenty of creamy garlic sauce over the seafood and let everything simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.

The salmon is ready when the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) and the shrimp are completely cooked through.

Finish with the remaining parsley and fresh basil, if you like.

Serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and silky.

Presentation

This dish looks beautiful served directly from the skillet, especially with the creamy sauce spooned generously over the salmon and shrimp.

Arrange one salmon fillet on each plate and tuck a few shrimp around it. Spoon extra Parmesan garlic butter sauce over the top and finish with fresh parsley or basil.

A few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side add a fresh pop of color and give everyone the option of adding a little extra brightness.

For a comforting meal, serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta. Roasted vegetables also work beautifully.

And if you have some crusty bread nearby, keep it close. That creamy garlic sauce is far too good to leave behind in the pan.

Nutritional Information:

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
• 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 610 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp is the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

The salmon stays tender and flaky, the shrimp are juicy, and every piece gets coated in a rich Parmesan garlic butter sauce with just enough lemon to brighten everything up.

It’s creamy, savory, comforting, and full of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you make it for guests or just treat yourself to something special, this is one of those skillet meals that’s easy to come back to again and again.