This Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine, is a quick yet elegant dinner option that’s packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The combination of tender seafood, creamy pasta, and savory garlic butter sauce is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The garlic butter sauce enhances the richness of both the salmon and shrimp, while the creamy spinach linguine adds an indulgent touch. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something flavorful and satisfying. The smoky paprika and Italian seasoning bring depth to the seafood, and the addition of spinach in the pasta adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Shrimp:
-
2 salmon fillets
-
½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
-
3 tbsp butter
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp smoked paprika
-
½ tsp Italian seasoning
-
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
-
8 oz linguine
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
-
Season & Sear the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and add minced garlic. Add the shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter in the skillet. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Toss in chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to wilt. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the creamy sauce and toss until fully coated. Top with seared salmon and shrimp. Drizzle extra sauce over the seafood for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Servings: 2 servings
Variations
-
Vegetable Addition: Add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the creamy sauce for extra flavor and texture.
-
Pasta Swap: You can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice.
-
Spicy Version: For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
-
Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon or shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice, you can add more red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe without shrimp?
Yes, you can skip the shrimp or replace it with another protein like chicken breast or scallops.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then quickly sear the salmon and shrimp when ready to serve.
6. How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
7. Can I use a non-dairy cream alternative for the sauce?
Yes, you can use coconut cream, oat cream, or any other non-dairy cream to make the sauce dairy-free.
8. Can I make this recipe with a non-stick pan?
Yes, a non-stick pan works well, especially for searing the salmon and shrimp without sticking. Just be sure to use enough butter or oil.
9. Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the seafood, or cook in batches.
10. Can I freeze this dish for later?
It’s not recommended to freeze the creamy pasta as the sauce may separate upon reheating, but the salmon and shrimp can be frozen separately.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is an indulgent yet simple dish that brings together tender seafood, creamy pasta, and rich garlic butter sauce in one delicious meal. With just 30 minutes of preparation, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of flavors will leave you wanting more, making it a recipe to remember!
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is a rich and indulgent dish that’s both easy and elegant. Perfectly seared salmon and shrimp are served with a creamy, garlicky spinach linguine for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon & Shrimp:
- 2 salmon fillets
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Season & Sear the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and add minced garlic. Add the shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter in the skillet. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Toss in chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to wilt. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the creamy sauce and toss until fully coated. Top with seared salmon and shrimp. Drizzle extra sauce over the seafood for extra flavor.
Notes
- For an added kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the shrimp for other seafood like scallops if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
