If you’re craving a dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to whip up, this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender fettuccine drenched in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, studded with succulent salmon chunks and perfectly cooked shrimp. This combination creates a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that’s comfort food elevated to something truly special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings warmth, elegance, and a touch of indulgence to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients you might already have on hand, but each one plays a crucial role in making the dish unforgettable. Fresh seafood adds natural sweetness and protein, while creamy elements bring that signature luscious mouthfeel. Herbs and seasoning give just the right aromatic lift to keep the flavors balanced and inviting.
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta: Choose a good-quality pasta that will hold the sauce well without getting mushy.
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized chunks: Fresh salmon adds buttery texture and a gentle ocean flavor.
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Sweet, tender shrimp complement the salmon beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for perfectly searing your seafood to golden perfection.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to your Alfredo sauce and helps develop that creamy base.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a savory, aromatic depth.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering smooth, indulgent creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the cream, creating that classic Alfredo flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a lively, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your fettuccine pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture — tender but still with a bite to hold all the luscious sauce. Follow the package instructions for timing, then drain the pasta and set it aside. The pasta is the foundation, so getting it just right here sets you up for success.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your salmon pieces. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Don’t rush this step; that crispy sear locks in flavor and moisture. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, toss in the shrimp next. They cook quickly — about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This step ensures the shrimp pick up all those wonderful leftover flavors from the salmon cooking. Remove them and place them with the salmon, creating a seafood medley ready for the final combination.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer — careful not to boil. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency that will coat every strand of pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return the fettuccine, salmon, and shrimp into the skillet with your Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated in that dreamy creaminess. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds that perfect pop of brightness right before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a herbal freshness to balance the richness of the pasta. Plus, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors wonderfully, cutting through the creamy sauce for a more vibrant bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads like an arugula or spinach salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a classic companion, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy Alfredo sauce. For a lighter option, consider steamed or roasted asparagus to add a touch of earthiness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or special occasion, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls with the seafood arranged artfully on top. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a thin lemon slice for a restaurant-style finish. You could even sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for an exciting twist that makes this familiar dish feel brand new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the freshness of the seafood and the silky texture of the sauce.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended because the texture of the cream sauce and seafood can change after thawing. For best results, enjoy this pasta fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to avoid breaking the sauce or overcooking the seafood. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the creamy consistency if it becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and works wonderfully here, other pasta shapes like linguine, penne, or even pappardelle can carry the sauce well. Choose one that you love and enjoy.
What if I’m not a fan of salmon?
You can substitute the salmon with other types of seafood like scallops or even cooked chicken breast for a different twist, though that will change the overall flavor profile. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with many proteins.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?
To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a light cream alternative. Keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick or rich but will still taste delicious.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Yes, peeling and deveining shrimp ensures the best texture and flavor. The vein can have a gritty texture and may affect the overall taste, so it’s worth the extra prep time.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pan to make sure there is enough space to cook the seafood evenly and toss everything together comfortably.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like serving up a plate of homemade Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe that is both elegant and comforting. Every forkful is bursting with flavor and texture, making it perfect for impressing loved ones or treating yourself. Don’t be intimidated by the seafood — once you try this, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire, bringing warmth and joy to any dining occasion.
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Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Alfredo pasta with salmon and shrimp is a delightful seafood dish combining tender fettuccine pasta with succulent salmon chunks and juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish offers a luxurious taste experience with a refreshing hint of lemon and fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
Seafood
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the salmon.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking while stirring often until the sauce has thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine & Serve: Return the cooked fettuccine, salmon, and shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and seafood are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added fresh citrus punch.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon and shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and sauce texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamy best as Alfredo sauce thickens upon cooling.
- Lemon wedges add a delightful brightness to balance the richness of the dish.
