This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans A Flavor-Packed Dinner to Impress comes together in about 30 minutes and features a one-pan cooking method for a quick and easy family meal that your family will love! Switch up the shrimp with your favorite fish or even some chicken to suit your taste, or use this recipe as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Trust me, there’s nothing better than a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t break the bank!
Ingredients Breakdown
Shrimp
- 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
I picked these shrimp because they cook quickly and soak up all that delicious Cajun seasoning beautifully. You can swap these out for another seafood option like scallops or even some precooked shrimp if you’re short on time!
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off, depending on preference
I love salmon for its rich flavor and flaky texture, especially when paired with the garlic cream sauce. If salmon isn’t your thing, you can use a mild white fish, such as tilapia or cod, and it will still turn out great!
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
For this blend, I use paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. It’s bold and spicy, just the way I like it! Feel free to lessen the spice or use store-bought seasoning to simplify!
Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
I prefer to use olive oil for searing the shrimp and salmon because it adds a lovely flavor and helps keep them from sticking. If you want a different taste, you can use avocado oil or even butter instead.
Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter (for seafood)
This is going to give you the best flavor! It’s essential to achieve that buttery richness in your seafood. You can use ghee as a substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Garlic
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly minced garlic brings an aromatic base to the sauce that you’ll absolutely love! I often sauté twice the amount because I’m a real sucker for garlic, and it’s packed with flavor!
Heavy Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
For that rich, velvety cream sauce that’s going to coat your seafood. I usually stick with heavy cream; however, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version or even coconut milk if you’re dairy-free.
Chicken Broth
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
This thins the sauce slightly and enhances the flavor. Vegetable broth will work great as a substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
This is my secret ingredient that adds a lovely tang to the creaminess. You can skip it if you’re not into mustard, but it really elevates the dish.
Salt and Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Always season to taste! I like to add a couple of pinches as I go because, let’s face it, flavor is everything!
Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
This adds a smoky depth of flavor to the sauce that takes it to the next level. You can even skip this if you aren’t a fan, but I think it’s a game changer!
Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Potatoes are my go-to when it comes to comfort food. They’re easy to mash and make such a creamy base for this dish!1/2 cup milk
Goes in with the potatoes to help create that smooth, creamy consistency. If you’re dairy-free, you can opt for almond milk or any other plant-based milk.1/4 cup butter
Adding richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. I always recommend unsalted here because it allows you to control the saltiness yourself.
Green Beans
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
These bring a wonderful color contrast and a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the dish perfectly. Fresh or frozen work well!2 tablespoons butter (for green beans)
To sauté the green beans! Again, olive oil would also do great if you’re watching your butter intake.2 cloves garlic, minced
More garlic, yes please! You already know how that turns out, fragrant and delicious!1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
If you like a little kick, throw this in! It adds a spicy dimension. You can skip it if you’re feeding little ones, though.Salt and pepper
Season these beauties to your taste!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into even chunks. Make sure they’re similar in size; that way, they’ll cook evenly. Then, pop them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Let them happily boil for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You know they’re done when a knife slides through easily.
Step 2: Mash ‘Em Up
Once your potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and then return them to the pot. Get your potato masher handy (or a hand mixer if you’re feeling fancy) and start mashing those potatoes until they’re smooth. While mashing, toss in the butter and milk, continuing until creamy and dreamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cover to keep warm while you work on the seafood and greens.
Step 3: Season the Seafood
Get your shrimp and salmon fillets ready. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Trust me, this helps to get a glorious sear! Generously season both sides with the Cajun seasoning. You want that flavor to sink in!
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot (you’ll know by the shimmering!), add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside while you concentrate on cooking the salmon.
Step 5: Salmon Time
Using the same skillet, toss in the butter and let it melt. Once melting, add the salmon fillets, skin side down if that’s your thing, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Set the salmon aside on a plate, along with the shrimp!
Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce
Now, in that same amazing skillet (it’s essential to scoop up those yummy bits!), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and just starting to brown.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir to combine and watch closely as it comes to a simmer. Let it reduce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If it thickens too much, just add a tad more chicken broth to thin it out to your liking.
Step 7: Bring it All Together
Once the sauce is velvety and thick, return the shrimp and salmon fillets to the skillet. Gently spoon the sauce over the seafood, coating them and letting everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes. It’s all about letting those flavors marry, y’all!
Step 8: Green Beans Time
While your seafood is soaking up that dreamy garlic cream sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Drain them and set aside, but don’t go far!
Step 9: Sauté the Beans!
In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in the cooked green beans, stirring to coat them in that buttery goodness. Sauté them for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly caramelized and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Assemble Your Plate
Okay, we’re almost there! To plate, scoop a hearty portion of your creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top them with a salmon fillet and a few Cajun shrimp. Spoon generous amounts of that luscious garlic cream sauce over everything (yes, please!).
Add a portion of sautéed green beans on the side and feel free to garnish the dish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if you want a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and trust me, get ready for the compliments coming your way!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans is my absolute go-to recipe! Seriously, it’s comfort food at its best. I’m always amazed at how a simple, flavorful dish can become a family favorite. I whipped it up for dinner last week, and my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds (what?!). And the best part is it’s versatile, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it still comes out incredibly flavorful. If you want easy, delicious meals, you’ve got to give this a try!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ideas on what to serve with this flavor-packed dinner? How about a nice green salad or some crusty bread for dipping in that garlic cream sauce? Seriously, you’ll want to soak up every last drop!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: This dish will keep for about 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get rubbery!
- Freezer-Friendly: It’s not ideal due to the cream sauce, which may separate after freezing, but if you must, freeze the seafood and sauce separately from the mashed potatoes and beans. You’ll want to eat it fresh for the best experience!
If you loved this Cajun Shrimp and Salmon, be sure to check out my Smoked Salmon Carbonara, my Smoked Salmon Potato Salad, or my Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One Pan Cooking!
Minimal cleanup required! Everything cooked in one skillet means fewer dishes, which is always a win in my book!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it, seriously. The rich flavors of Cajun seasoning combined with creamy garlic sauce are a winning combo, no doubt.
Customizable
You can use whatever seafood you have on hand! Feel free to substitute with chicken or any veggies. This is truly a clean-out-the-fridge meal that can be as fun and creative as you want!
Comfort Food Awesomeness
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and includes the classic comforting elements of creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, and succulent seafood!
Food brings people together, and when it’s as delicious as this Cajun Shrimp and Salmon, it’s sure to create some memorable family moments around the dinner table. Enjoy!
So there you have it, your ultimate guide to making this scrumptious meal! Your family will fall in love with it and be begging for more, and you’ll feel like a superstar in the kitchen! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Cajun Shrimp and Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and cut the russet potatoes into even chunks. Cook in a large pot of salted water, bringing to a boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return to pot. Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then cover to keep warm.
- Pat shrimp and salmon fillets dry; season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add salmon fillets. Cook skin side down for 4-5 minutes on each side until flaky. Set salmon aside with shrimp.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Return shrimp and salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over seafood and simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Boil salted water; add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet; sauté garlic and optional red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes. Add green beans and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
- On each plate, serve mashed potatoes, top with salmon and shrimp, and spoon garlic cream sauce over. Serve with sautéed green beans.