If you are craving a dish that combines silky, rich sauce with the freshest seafood, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe. It brings together tender salmon and succulent shrimp in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet comforting, making it an ideal meal for a special dinner or a cozy night in. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to seafood pasta favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this dish, each adding a vital element to the overall flavor, creaminess, and color. Fresh seafood, aromatic garlic, and a handful of pantry staples come together for a surprisingly easy yet elegant meal.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and is perfect for sautéing seafood.
- 6 ounces skinless salmon fillet (cut into bite-sized pieces): Firm and flavorful, salmon is the star protein here.
- 8 ounces large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Sweet and tender shrimp complement the salmon perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for creating that rich, creamy Alfredo sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds depth and a delicious aroma to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavors that enrich the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra heat and complexity.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Provides fresh color and a bright herbal note.
- Lemon wedges for serving: The citrusy zing perfectly cuts through the richness when squeezed on top.
How to Make Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the seafood and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Cooking it just right ensures it stays moist and tender. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and perfectly firm. Using the same pan adds extra flavor since it picks up the cooked bits from the salmon. Once done, transfer the shrimp to join the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant; avoid browning so the sauce stays smooth and light. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a creamy, luscious consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Seafood, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce and toss well to coat every strand with the silky cream. Gently fold in the salmon and shrimp, being careful not to break up the pieces. Allow everything to heat together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the seafood warms through.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Lemon
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of fresh color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges alongside to squeeze over just before eating, balancing the creaminess with a lovely citrus tang.
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish thoughtfully elevates the presentation and highlights the delicious flavors. Freshly chopped parsley adds vibrant green contrast, while a dash of extra Parmesan gives a cheesy finish. Don’t skip the lemon wedges; their acidity refreshes your palate with every bite of the rich pasta.
Side Dishes
This pasta is wonderfully rich on its own, so light and fresh sides work best. A crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds textural contrast. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli bring a bit of earthiness and color to the plate without weighing you down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe in wide shallow bowls to showcase the salmon and shrimp nestled on top. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a few drops of garlic-infused oil before serving for a gourmet touch. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a few capers for added texture and flavor twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pasta and seafood separately if possible to keep textures intact. Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This will help maintain the freshness of the seafood and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
Freezing cream-based seafood pasta is generally not recommended as the texture of the sauce and seafood can suffer. If you must freeze, freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the cooked salmon and shrimp, and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the delicate seafood.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor. Using fresh seafood is ideal, but quality frozen options work well too.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy without heavy cream, but it will still taste delicious.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If your Alfredo sauce thickens too much during cooking or reheating, simply stir in a little pasta water, milk, or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Adding liquid gradually helps maintain a smooth, velvety sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular pasta for a gluten-free variety like rice or chickpea pasta. The sauce and seafood are naturally gluten-free, so this dish adapts easily.
What can I add to enhance the flavor even more?
For an extra flavor punch, add a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the garlic or stir in a bit of cream cheese during the sauce-making step. Freshly grated nutmeg also pairs wonderfully with Alfredo sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe that feels elegant yet surprisingly accessible to make at home. Its rich, velvety sauce paired with fresh seafood makes it a comforting meal you’ll want to share again and again. Give it a try and savor the lovely harmony of flavors that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
Print
Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp is a luscious seafood dish combining tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked fettuccine, this Italian-American recipe delivers indulgent, satisfying flavors ideal for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Seafood
- 6 ounces skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked through and opaque. Remove from skillet and keep aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and keep with the salmon.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta with sauce and seafood: Add the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked salmon and shrimp to combine.
- Heat through and serve: Cook everything together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine or a touch of cream cheese to the sauce.
- You can substitute fettuccine or linguine with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
- Using pre-cooked salmon can save time if you are in a hurry.
