What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a quick and easy homemade recipe like this Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo, loaded with succulent seafood and rich fettuccine noodles. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal that’s ready in no time, try making it soon and enjoy the flavors of sautéed shrimp and salmon in a creamy sauce. Pin for later

Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the freshness of salmon and shrimp, all while utilizing everyday ingredients that are easily accessible. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both elegant and comforting. The combination of succulent salmon, tender shrimp, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine, is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the seafood, the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce, and the subtle hint of garlic and lemon creates a dish that is both decadent and refreshing.
• The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cook a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry, and the ones that aren’t can be easily found in any grocery store.
• Despite its simplicity, this dish presents beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining guests or a special night in. The vibrant colors of the seafood and the pasta, combined with the rich sauce, create a visually appealing dish that is sure to wow.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include fresh salmon fillets, shrimp, fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. For the salmon and shrimp, freshness is key, but you can also use frozen alternatives if fresh is not available. The heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, but you can also use other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano. Garlic and lemon zest add depth and brightness to the dish, while parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the parsley, zest the lemon, and mince the garlic. Also, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the fettuccine.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Next, add the salmon to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside with the shrimp.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream. Bring the cream to a simmer and let it cook until it’s slightly reduced, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Step 4: To serve, slice the cooked salmon into portions. Place a serving of the fettuccine on each plate, top with a piece of salmon, and add a few shrimp on the side. Sprinkle with parsley and lemon zest, and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

• When cooking the fettuccine, make sure to salt the water generously, as this will enhance the flavor of the pasta. Also, don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key to a good Alfredo dish.
• For the Alfredo sauce, using high-quality parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor. Freshly shredding the cheese from a block will also ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp and salmon. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the seafood and the sauce. For the shrimp and salmon, medium heat is ideal, as it allows for a gentle cooking process that prevents the seafood from becoming tough. When making the Alfredo sauce, it’s also important to keep the heat at a simmer, as high heat can cause the cream to boil over or the cheese to separate, resulting in an uneven sauce.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the parsley and lemon zest sprinkled on top. The freshness and slight bitterness of the parsley, combined with the citrusy zing of the lemon zest, provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy sauce and the tender seafood and pasta. If you want to add more texture, you could also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like basil or dill on top.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Another trick is to add the pasta water to the Alfredo sauce gradually, as you’re tossing the fettuccine. This helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin.
• For cleanup, having all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting to cook can save time and reduce mess. Also, cleaning as you go, especially after handling raw seafood, is important for kitchen hygiene and safety.

Storage Tips

• The cooked fettuccine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently with a bit of cream or pasta water to restore its creamy texture.
• Cooked salmon and shrimp are best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop, taking care not to overcook them.
• The Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it over low heat, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and creamy again.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is not typically considered a gift item due to its perishable nature, but if you’re looking to share it with neighbors or bring it to a potluck, consider packaging it in insulated containers to keep it warm. You could also package it in microwave-safe containers for easy reheating. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color and freshness.

Flavor Variations

• Adding different spices, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, can give the dish a smoky or spicy kick.
• Creative toppings like diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or toasted nuts can add texture and flavor variety.
• Swapping the salmon for other fish like cod or tilapia, or using scallops instead of shrimp, can offer a change of pace and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, try adding a bit of pasta water or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• For texture problems with the seafood, ensure it’s not overcooked. If it’s tough, it might be due to overcooking or poor quality of the seafood.
• Signs of overcooking include the seafood becoming dry and flaky, or the sauce separating and becoming oily. To avoid this, cook the seafood just until it’s done, and whisk the sauce constantly when reheating.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? While it’s possible to freeze cooked pasta and seafood, the texture and quality might suffer. It’s best to consume this dish fresh for the optimal experience.
• Is it gluten-free? Traditional fettuccine contains gluten, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn flour. Be sure to check the ingredients of the parmesan cheese and any store-bought sauces for gluten as well.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd. Just ensure you have enough pots and skillets to cook everything efficiently, and adjust the cooking time slightly for larger quantities of seafood and pasta.

Conclusion

This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit any taste. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating a truly special meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, making it perfect for any occasion.