Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dinner without leaving your kitchen, this Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp delivers bold flavors, rich textures, and ultimate indulgence. With perfectly seared, spicy-blackened salmon and succulent shrimp smothered in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce, every bite feels decadent yet approachable.

This dish works beautifully for cozy weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or impressing guests with minimal effort. It combines the smoky, spicy notes of blackened seafood with the luscious cream sauce for a perfect balance of heat, richness, and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and flavorful — ready in about 30 minutes.
• Protein-packed and satisfying — salmon and shrimp in one dish.
• Versatile serving options — pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or potatoes.
• Restaurant-quality at home — bold blackened flavors without complicated steps.
• Customizable heat — add extra Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Ingredients

For the Salmon & Shrimp

• Salmon fillets (2) – Tender, flaky, and rich in omega-3s.
• Medium shrimp (12–14, peeled & deveined) – Cooks quickly and complements salmon perfectly.
• Blackened seasoning (2 tbsp) – Delivers smoky, spicy crust.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps achieve a perfect sear.
• Butter (1 tbsp) – Adds richness to the seafood.
• Salt & pepper – To taste, for balance.

For the Cream Sauce

• Butter (1 tbsp) – Forms the flavorful base.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth.
• Heavy cream (1 cup) – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• Chicken broth (1/2 cup) – Balances the cream and adds savory flavor.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Thickens the sauce and adds umami.
• Cajun seasoning (1 tsp, optional) – Boosts heat if desired.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp) – Brightens the sauce.
• Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Adds color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp

1. Season & Sear the Seafood

1. Pat salmon fillets dry. Season both sides with blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Season shrimp the same way.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Tip:
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed for an even sear.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently and bringing to a simmer.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Whisk until slightly thickened.
4. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.

Tip:
Simmer gently; too high heat can curdle the cream.

3. Assemble the Dish

1. Return salmon and shrimp to the skillet.
2. Spoon sauce over the seafood and simmer 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

4. Serve

1. Plate with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature salmon for even cooking.
• Pat shrimp dry to prevent steaming.
• Stir sauce frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
• Adjust seasoning gradually — blackened seasoning can be quite potent.

Equipment Needed

• Skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
• Tongs or spatula
• Mixing spoon or whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Creamy Version: Add 1–2 tsp cayenne or extra Cajun seasoning.
• Herb-Infused Cream: Stir in fresh dill, tarragon, or chives.
• Tomato Cream Twist: Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato paste or diced tomatoes.
• Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic butter rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
• Add a side of steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli.
• Garnish with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano as a substitute.

Can this dish be made ahead?
Sauce can be made ahead, but best served immediately after searing seafood to maintain texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes — add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Blackened Salmon with Shrimp is a decadent, yet easy-to-make dish that elevates any dinner. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, perfect for date nights, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests. Enjoy the bold blackened crust paired with velvety sauce and let the seafood shine in every bite!