Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
There’s something undeniably irresistible about a bowl of Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp—each bite promises a rich blend of velvety sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and succulent seafood. This dish is pure comfort with a gourmet twist, bringing the flavors of a waterfront trattoria right to your own kitchen. Creating it is surprisingly simple, but the result feels like a special occasion meal every single time. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long week or aiming to impress at your next dinner gathering, Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp never fails to delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need an endless list of specialty items to create a stunning Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp—just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the table, from the richness of the cream to the pop of herby brightness provided by parsley.
- Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (8 oz): Choose your favorite; both pastas soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce deliciously.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): A light sear with olive oil deepens flavor and gives seafood that golden touch.
- Salmon Fillets (2, cut into chunks): Tender and rich, salmon makes every bite extra luxurious.
- Large Shrimp (8 oz, peeled and deveined): Provides sweetness and beautiful texture—don’t skip the deveining for best results!
- Butter (3 tbsp): Butter is essential for that silken Alfredo base and adds a little indulgence.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Four cloves deliver just the right amount of deeply savory aroma.
- Heavy Cream (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the creamy sauce—nothing else gives quite the same luscious consistency.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty, and absolutely necessary for authentic Alfredo flavor.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds mild warmth and depth that rounds out the creaminess.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a gentle kick, sprinkle these in (optional—but highly recommended if you love a touch of heat).
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): A simple but striking garnish, parsley finishes the dish with color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): A squeeze over the top brightens up each serving—especially good if you’re a citrus fan.
How to Make Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package directions until al dente—this gives you pasta that’s tender but still has a nice bite. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside. That starchy water is your secret weapon for a glossy, silky sauce!
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Once it shimmers, add the salmon chunks in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them too much—this helps them develop a golden crust while keeping the inside perfectly moist. Gently remove the salmon and transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway through. When they turn an opaque pink color, you’ll know they’re ready. Scoop them out and set them aside with the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat and melt the butter right in that seafood-flavored skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute. Next, stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Then, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, whisking to combine until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add your cooked pasta directly into the sauce and toss until every strand is generously coated. Gently fold in the cooked salmon and shrimp, being careful not to break up the tender pieces of fish. If you notice the sauce is a little too thick, splash in the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve each portion with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a zingy finish if they’d like. Dig in while it’s hot and let the decadence begin!
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley brings color and vibrancy to every plate, while a dusting of extra Parmesan is always a welcome touch. For a zesty finish, set lemon wedges on the side and let diners squeeze the juice over their pasta. A light drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil on top can’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair your Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Warm, crusty bread (or garlic bread, if you want to go all out) is perfect for soaking up every last drop of creamy sauce. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli add a pop of green and a bit of crunch alongside all the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a showstopper by twirling the pasta into individual nests before topping with pieces of salmon and shrimp. Serve in shallow bowls with extra sauce ladled over or even in a large family-style platter for a dramatic centerpiece. Garnish extravagantly—think lots of herbs, a crumble of extra cheese, or a sprinkle of microgreens to impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp left, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The leftovers will keep well for up to two days, though be mindful that seafood is always best enjoyed when fresh. Try to keep the pasta, sauce, and seafood layered rather than fully mixed to preserve the best texture.
Freezing
While creamy sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp for up to one month if needed. Let it cool completely before portioning into airtight containers. To help prevent texture changes, add a splash of cream when reheating. Seafood may change in texture slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still satisfy.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to avoid overcooking the seafood or breaking the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but use a lower power setting and pause to stir every 30 seconds for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are classic for Alfredo, you can use penne, spaghetti, or tagliatelle. Just make sure whatever shape you choose can hold onto the creamy sauce and all those delicious bites of salmon and shrimp.
I’m lactose intolerant—can I make this dairy-free?
It won’t be quite the same, but you can swap in your favorite unsweetened non-dairy cream and a good dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The dish will still feel decadent, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What’s the best way to cook the salmon and shrimp without overcooking?
Cook both the salmon and shrimp just until they’re opaque and cooked through—about 2–3 minutes per side for salmon chunks and 2–3 minutes total for shrimp. Keeping the pieces bite-sized and not crowding the pan will help keep them tender.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, blanched peas, or roasted asparagus can all be folded in with the salmon and shrimp for extra color, nutrients, and flavor. Just remember to keep the sauce the star.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
To lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and try reducing the butter a bit. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy and satisfying—perfect for a slightly more everyday version of Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting, you truly can’t beat Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp. It’s a recipe I return to again and again for its creamy richness and irresistible seafood twist. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a cozy night in with a big bowl of this pasta masterpiece. You’ll savor every last delicious forkful!
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Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luxurious yet easy-to-make Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp dish that combines tender seafood with a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Seafood:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 salmon fillets (skin removed and cut into chunks), 8 oz large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside with reserved pasta water.
- Sear Seafood: Cook salmon and shrimp in olive oil until just done; set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add cream, cheese, and seasonings. Simmer, then mix in pasta, seafood, and parsley.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust consistency with pasta water, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by seasoning seafood with paprika or Cajun spices.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
