If you’re craving a rich and indulgent seafood pasta dish, this Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is a must-try. Juicy pan-seared salmon, tender shrimp, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce coat every strand of linguine, making this dish irresistible. The blend of buttery seafood, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this dish is bound 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
Preparation
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.
Variation
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes – A handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes can add a sweet and tangy kick.
- Use Another Pasta – Swap linguine for fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Make it Spicier – Increase red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: For the juiciest texture, cook until just opaque in the center.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- A glass of sparkling water with lemon complements the dish beautifully.
Tips
- Pat Dry the Salmon & Shrimp – This helps them develop a crispy, golden crust.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta absorbs the sauce better.
- Let the Sauce Simmer – Give it a few minutes to thicken before adding pasta.
- Use a Large Pan – Ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Protein: ~45g
- Sodium: ~750mg
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them under cold water before cooking.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk works well.
3. Can I bake the salmon instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is the perfect blend of flavors—buttery seafood, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta come together for a dish that feels luxurious yet easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. Try it today and experience restaurant-quality seafood pasta in your own kitchen!
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Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
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
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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).
Step 5: 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
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: For the juiciest texture, cook until just opaque in the center.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Protein: 45g