Name: Creamy Salmon Shrimp Cajun
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 (6-8 oz) salmon fillets; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp Cajun seasoning; ¼ tsp garlic powder; Pinch kosher salt; Pinch black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; Pinch cayenne pepper (optional); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Cooked rice, pasta, or polenta, for serving; ¼ cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish; Lemon wedges, for serving

Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream is an exquisite dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana with every luxurious bite. I remember the first time I savored this incredible combination; the creamy, spicy sauce enveloping perfectly seared salmon and succulent shrimp was simply unforgettable. It’s a culinary journey you’ll want to embark on again and again, offering a blend of comfort and elegance that few other recipes can match.

A Taste of Louisiana’s Rich Heritage

Cajun cuisine, born from the vibrant cultural melting pot of Louisiana, is renowned for its bold flavors and comforting appeal. It’s a culinary tradition built on fresh, local ingredients and a masterful blend of spices that tell a story of resilience, resourcefulness, and celebration. People adore this particular dish because it masterfully combines rich textures with an invigorating kick of authentic Cajun spice, all harmonized by a velvety cream sauce. The tender flakiness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the juicy bite of shrimp, while the iconic Cajun spices—paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion—sing through a luxurious, velvety cream. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Creating this Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream allows you to bring that soulful warmth and vibrant flavor profile right into your own kitchen, making it a perfect choice for both a special weeknight treat or an impressively elegant dinner party. Get ready to create a masterpiece that will delight everyone at your table with its unparalleled depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference, but I love the crispy skin!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil, for a higher smoke point)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off (I usually leave them on for presentation)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend (ensure it’s fresh for maximum flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (this helps thicken our sauce beautifully)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium, if you prefer to control saltiness)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (at least 36% fat content for richness)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend (feel free to adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (a vital bright finish!)
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cooked rice, pasta, or creamy polenta (my personal favorite for soaking up all that amazing sauce)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparation is Key! Getting Started with Our Salmon and Shrimp Cajun Cream

Before we even think about turning on the heat, let’s get all our ingredients prepped and ready. This is what we call “mise en place” in the culinary world, and it makes the entire cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, it makes a huge difference, especially with a dish as flavorful and multi-layered as our Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream.

Prep the Salmon: First things first, grab your salmon fillets. I always like to give them a good rinse under cold water, then pat them very, very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, especially if you want crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Once dry, season both sides generously with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Set them aside on a plate and let them come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you prep everything else. This helps them cook more evenly.
Prepare the Shrimp: Now, for our beautiful shrimp. If they aren’t already peeled and deveined, take a moment to do that now. If you’re leaving the tails on, just make sure they’re clean. Once clean, place them in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning blend, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently to ensure every shrimp is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and pop them in the fridge while you continue with your other prep.
Chop Your Veggies: This is where the magic starts for our incredible Cajun cream sauce. Finely dice your ½ yellow onion and your 1 red bell pepper. The smaller and more uniform the dice, the better they’ll meld into the sauce. Mince your 2 cloves of garlic. Having these ready to go means you won’t be scrambling once things start cooking on the stove.
Measure Dry Ingredients: It might seem small, but measuring out your 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika into small separate bowls or ramekins will save you time and ensure accuracy when you’re building the sauce. If you’re using cayenne pepper, measure that out too.
Get Your Liquids Ready: Measure out your 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Having them ready to pour will keep the sauce-making process smooth and prevent any lumps from forming.

Cooking the Star Proteins: Perfect Salmon and Succulent Shrimp

Now that our prep work is done, it’s time to cook our main stars. The key here is not to overcook them, ensuring they remain tender and juicy, ready to be enveloped in our rich Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream sauce. We’ll cook them separately to achieve the best texture for each.

Sear the Salmon to Perfection: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works wonderfully here) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and just about to smoke, carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable), into the hot pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle! Press down gently on each fillet with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to ensure even contact with the pan and crispier skin. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on the skin side, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the skin is wonderfully crisp and golden brown, and the flesh has cooked about two-thirds of the way up. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 2-4 minutes on the other side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-140°F (54-60°C). Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest. This resting period is crucial for juicy, tender fish.
Sauté the Seasoned Shrimp: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it unless there’s excessive burnt residue), add another ½ tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Increase the heat slightly to high. Once the oil is hot, add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque pink and curl slightly. Shrimp cook very quickly! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and we definitely don’t want that for our luxurious Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream. Once cooked through, remove the shrimp from the skillet and add them to the plate with the resting salmon. They will finish cooking a tiny bit in the residual heat, so slightly undercooking them is better than overcooking.

Crafting the Unforgettable Cajun Cream Sauce

This is where our dish truly comes alive! The Cajun cream sauce is the heart and soul of this recipe, bringing all the bold, comforting flavors together. Get ready for an aromatic experience that will fill your kitchen with wonderful scents.

Build the Flavor Base (The “Mirepoix” with a Twist): Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet (yes, those delicious bits on the bottom are flavor gold!), add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add your finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened significantly and the onion is translucent. We’re looking for sweet, tender vegetables, not browned ones. This patient step develops a deep foundational flavor.
Introduce the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the delicate balance of our cream sauce.
Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out a bit. This step creates a “roux,” which will thicken our sauce and give it a silky texture. It’s essential to cook the flour for a moment to prevent a raw flour taste.
Deglaze and Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, whisking vigorously as you pour to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are pure flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Create the Creamy Magic: Now, reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Season Our Cajun Cream Sauce: Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning blend, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using) to the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency. Remember, it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Sometimes I find a little more Cajun seasoning enhances the kick beautifully.
The Bright Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is a game-changer! The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, adding a wonderful brightness and balance that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip this step!

Assembling and Serving Our Glorious Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream

The moment has arrived! All the components are perfectly cooked and ready to come together in a magnificent symphony of flavors. This is where your hard work truly pays off, culminating in a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Combine and Gently Heat: Carefully add the cooked shrimp back into the creamy Cajun sauce. Gently stir to coat the shrimp completely in the sauce. Allow them to warm through for just 1-2 minutes on very low heat; remember, they’re already cooked, so we just want to bring them up to temperature with the sauce.
Prepare Your Serving Plates: Spoon a generous portion of your preferred base (rice, pasta, or polenta) onto each serving plate or bowl. I highly recommend a base that can really soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
Plate the Salmon and Shrimp: Arrange one salmon fillet elegantly on top of or next to the chosen base on each plate. Now, spoon a generous amount of the rich Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream sauce, with its succulent shrimp, over and around the salmon and the base. Ensure every bite promises a perfect balance of sauce, shrimp, and salmon.
Garnish with Freshness: Finish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. This not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich sauce. A lemon wedge on the side is perfect for those who like an extra squeeze of citrus.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Encourage your diners to dig in and savor every bite of this truly decadent and flavorful Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream. The tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and the vibrant, spicy cream sauce create an unforgettable culinary experience that’s perfect for a special weeknight meal or entertaining guests. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about this incredible dish! We’ve journeyed through the steps of creating something truly special, a meal that transcends the ordinary and brings a burst of vibrant flavor right into your kitchen. If there’s one recipe you absolutely need to add to your culinary repertoire this year, it’s this sensational Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream. I promise you, it’s not just another dinner; it’s an experience. This dish perfectly marries the richness of pan-seared salmon with succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp, all enveloped in a lusciously creamy, subtly spicy Cajun sauce that will dance on your taste buds. What makes this particular dish an absolute standout? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes that truly elevates it above the everyday.

The salmon, with its potential for crispy, golden-brown skin and a flaky, moist interior, provides a satisfying and omega-rich base, while the plump shrimp adds a delightful pop of oceanic sweetness and a tender bite. But the real magic, in my humble opinion, lies in that velvety Cajun cream sauce. It’s a masterful balance of warmth and spice, creamy richness without being overly heavy, and an aromatic depth that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. You’ll find yourself savouring every single bite, from the initial burst of piquant seasoning to the comforting, lingering creaminess that coats your palate. It’s a gourmet meal that feels incredibly special, luxurious even, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both bustling weeknight dinners when you crave something extraordinary and more elaborate gatherings with friends and family. I always find immense joy in seeing the expressions of delight on my loved ones’ faces when I present this dish. It truly elevates any dining occasion, transforming a simple meal into a memorable feast that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and impressed.

Now, for the best part – how to enjoy this masterpiece! While the Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream is undeniably the star of the show, choosing the right accompaniment can elevate your dining experience even further. I love serving it alongside fluffy, perfectly steamed white rice, which soaks up every last drop of that incredible sauce, ensuring not a single bit of flavor is wasted. A wild rice blend also offers a lovely textural contrast and a nutty flavor profile that complements the seafood beautifully. If you’re a pasta lover, a bed of linguine, fettuccine, or even a shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni works wonders, turning it into a truly decadent and hearty pasta dish that feels like it came straight from a five-star restaurant. For those looking for a lighter touch, a simple side of roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a vibrant mixed green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to the richness of the cream sauce. And please, don’t forget a good crusty baguette or some warm cornbread for dipping – trust me, you won’t want to leave any of that amazing sauce behind!

And here’s where you can truly make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and infuse your personal culinary flair! If you’re not a fan of salmon, you could easily substitute it with pan-seared chicken breast, another firm white fish like cod or halibut, or even some seared scallops for an extra touch of elegance. For an extra kick of heat, feel free to amp up the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can certainly reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning slightly without sacrificing any of the core deliciousness. To incorporate more vegetables and boost the nutritional value, consider stirring in some sautéed bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color!), fresh spinach, tender artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes towards the end of the cooking process. A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving adds a beautiful pop of color, a hint of fresh aroma, and a bright finish. You could even try adding a splash of dry white wine to the pan for an extra layer of complexity and depth to the sauce before incorporating the cream. The true beauty of this Salmon Shrimp Cajun Cream recipe is its incredible versatility; it’s robust enough to handle personal touches and dietary adjustments while still delivering that signature, unforgettable flavor profile that everyone will adore.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into creating this spectacular meal in your own kitchen. It’s a journey of flavor that I promise you won’t regret, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. Once you’ve experienced the sheer deliciousness and comforting richness of this dish, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, share your culinary adventures with me. Did you stick to the recipe exactly, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What did your family and friends think of this creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying creation? Your feedback, stories, and even your personal tips truly inspire me and are the highlight of my day. Snap a photo of your magnificent masterpiece, tell me about your chosen serving accompaniments, or even share your innovative variations on the recipe. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking, the thrill of trying new flavors, and the unforgettable taste of homemade goodness together. Happy cooking!