Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water to help thicken the sauce later if needed.

2. Cook the Salmon and Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the salmon.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Once the cream has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Combine the Seafood and Pasta

Add the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Gently fold in the cooked salmon and shrimp, being careful not to break up the salmon too much. Add lemon juice to brighten up the flavors, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

5. Serve

Serve the Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For an extra burst of citrus, serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Seafood: For the best flavor, use fresh seafood whenever possible. Fresh salmon and shrimp will make a huge difference in the final dish.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts much better and adds a richer flavor to the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Both the salmon and shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to avoid overcooking them. The salmon should be tender and slightly pink in the center, and the shrimp should turn pink and opaque.
• Customize the Veggies: If you like, you can add spinach, peas, or asparagus to the dish for extra veggies. Simply sauté them with the garlic in step 3 before adding the cream, or mix them in with the seafood at the end.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of flavors. The richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the savory depth of the salmon. The garlic and Parmesan add a luxurious umami flavor, while the lemon juice brightens up the entire dish, balancing out the creaminess with a fresh, tangy note. The result is a perfectly balanced, indulgent pasta dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with some simple sides to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up any leftover Alfredo sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich pasta. Try a simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans would pair wonderfully with the seafood Alfredo for a more balanced plate.

In Conclusion

This Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo is a decadent and delicious dish that combines two of the most beloved seafood options with the creamy, comforting allure of Alfredo sauce. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that will leave everyone at the table raving. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a weeknight dinner, this creamy seafood Alfredo will definitely become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.