Get ready for a creamy, dreamy, seafood-packed pasta dish that’s about to become your new obsession! This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist takes the classic Alfredo sauce and levels it up with rich, flaky salmon, tender shrimp, and a touch of unexpected flavors that will make every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this, regular Alfredo just won’t cut it anymore!
Why You’ll Love Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
Versatile
Perfect for a fancy date night, a cozy family dinner, or even meal prep for the week—this dish fits any occasion.
Budget-Friendly
Seafood dishes can be pricey at restaurants, but making this at home gives you a gourmet experience without the hefty bill.
Quick and Easy
Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is surprisingly simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Customizable
Want to spice it up? Add Cajun seasoning. Prefer a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The options are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—this pasta is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
This dish is all about bold flavors and creamy indulgence. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salmon Fillets: Flaky, buttery salmon adds a rich depth to the dish.
Shrimp: Juicy, tender shrimp make this even more irresistible.
Pasta: Fettuccine works best, but you can use any pasta you love.
Butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Because what’s Alfredo without garlic?
Heavy Cream: The base of the luscious Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: For that signature creamy, cheesy goodness.
Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness to balance the richness.
Spinach: The secret “twist” that adds freshness and a pop of color.
Cajun Seasoning: Just a little for a subtle heat and bold flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Salmon
Heat a little butter in a pan over medium heat. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
In the same pan, add more butter and toss in the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat and melt butter in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh kick.
Add the Spinach
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. This adds a touch of freshness and balances the richness.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat it evenly. Flake the salmon and gently mix it in, along with the shrimp.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 650
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
This dish is rich and flavorful on its own, but you can elevate it even more by serving it with:
- Garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
- A crisp green salad to balance the creaminess.
- A glass of white wine for the perfect pairing.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and can turn rubbery if left too long.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Want a smoky touch? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
3. What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
Fettuccine is classic, but linguine, spaghetti, or even penne work great too.
4. Can I make a lighter version?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
5. How do I keep my Alfredo sauce from separating?
Cook it on low heat and stir constantly while adding the cheese gradually.
6. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
7. What can I substitute for spinach?
Kale or arugula works well, or you can skip the greens entirely.
8. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce gives the best flavor and texture.
9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying out.
10. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let the flavors take you on a delicious journey!
Print
Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This rich and indulgent pasta dish features succulent salmon and shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce with a unique twist. Enhanced with a touch of lemon zest and fresh spinach, this recipe elevates classic Alfredo by adding bright, zesty notes and a pop of color.
Ingredients
– 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
– 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 8 oz salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the salmon pieces for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove salmon and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in the heavy cream and broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
8. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and seared salmon pieces. Toss well to coat evenly with the sauce.
9. Adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
– Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
– The lemon twist brightens the rich creaminess; adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
– Avoid overcooking the salmon and shrimp to keep them tender and moist.
– For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg