Name: Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), skin removed; 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Parsley for garnish

Bring a little taste of New Orleans home with this bold and satisfying Cajun Salmon and Shrimp! Juicy salmon fillets and jumbo shrimp are pan-fried and tucked into a creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce rich with Monterey Jack cheese and fresh spinach. Each bite is silky, a touch spicy, brimming with flavor, and brings gorgeous color to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to make an ordinary weeknight feel special or impress dinner guests with something unforgettable, this irresistible Cajun Salmon and Shrimp never fails to delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised how just a few essential ingredients come together to make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp shine. Every component plays a part, from the warmth of Cajun seasoning to the richness of cream, making the dish truly sing in flavor, texture, and color.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and silkiness as the foundation for the sauce and for pan-frying.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to cling to your seafood and add body.
Cajun seasoning: This blend brings smoky heat and incredible depth. Choose your favorite brand or make your own!
Paprika: Adds color and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the spice.
Heavy cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that feels indulgent but never too heavy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with savory flavor, keeping it from becoming overly rich.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, lending creaminess and a touch of tang to the sauce.
Fresh baby spinach: Bright green pops of color and freshness—just let it wilt for the perfect texture.
Salmon fillets: Go for center-cut, skinless fillets so they cook evenly, remaining moist and flaky.
Jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined): Their sweet, delicate texture stands up well to the Cajun spice and cream sauce.
Vegetable oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the seafood without burning the butter.
Parsley, chopped: Sprinkle on top for a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Cajun Salmon and Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Whisk them all together and let the blend cook for about a minute—this is your flavor base and gives the sauce that signature Cajun flair. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until everything combines smoothly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Season and Pan-Fry the Salmon

While your sauce simmers away, pat your salmon fillets dry and season them well with half the Cajun seasoning. In another skillet, melt butter with a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add your salmon fillets and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You want a nice sear and an internal temperature of 145°F, which ensures the salmon is perfectly flaky yet still moist. Once ready, transfer the fillets to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep cozy.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning. In the same skillet used for the salmon (soak up those amazing pan flavors!), cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and opaque. Keep an eye out—shrimp cook fast and you want them just-right tender. Once done, remove from heat and set aside with the salmon.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Bring it All Together

Back to your Cajun cream sauce! Add in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and fresh baby spinach. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the spinach wilts, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once you have a velvety, cheesy sauce speckled with green, nestle your seared salmon fillets and shrimp into the skillet. Spoon that luscious sauce over the top, sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and aroma, and serve immediately. Every forkful is creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.

How to Serve Cajun Salmon and Shrimp

Garnishes

A simple shower of fresh chopped parsley does wonders, brightening up the entire dish and adding a subtle herbal note. If you like a little extra pop, try a sprinkle of minced chives or even a touch of lemon zest. A light crack of black pepper right before serving can echo the Cajun seasoning and elevate both presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp loves a good partner on the plate! Creamy mashed potatoes are classic, perfect for soaking up every drop of Cajun cream sauce. If you want a hint of crunch and contrast, try roasted green beans, sautéed asparagus, or even a crisp garden salad alongside. Garlic bread or rice pilaf is equally welcome for hungry appetites.

Creative Ways to Present

Go bold by serving Cajun Salmon and Shrimp family-style in a big skillet at the center of the table, inviting everyone to help themselves. For a restaurant-worthy touch, spoon a swirl of mashed potatoes on each plate, top with salmon, shrimp, and plenty of sauce, then garnish generously. You can even enjoy leftovers tossed with pasta for a quick creamy Cajun seafood pasta the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the meal is over, store any leftover Cajun Salmon and Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 days. Make sure to spoon extra sauce over the seafood before chilling to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Freezing

While the sauce’s cream and cheese components don’t always freeze to perfection, you can freeze leftover Cajun Salmon and Shrimp if needed. Allow the dish to cool fully, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat Cajun Salmon and Shrimp, place the seafood and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems thick, and warm gently until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can make the shrimp rubbery. If you’re short on time, use the microwave at 50 percent power in short bursts for more even warming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon or shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon fillets and shrimp overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to get the best sear and avoid extra moisture in your Cajun Salmon and Shrimp sauce.

How spicy is this Cajun Salmon and Shrimp?

The spice level is mild to moderate, so most folks can enjoy it without any sweat! If you prefer extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier Cajun seasoning. On the flip side, anyone sensitive to heat can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and still get tons of flavor.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Monterey Jack?

If you’re out of Monterey Jack, go for mozzarella, fontina, or even a mild white cheddar. The main goal is to have a cheese that melts smoothly into the sauce, creating the signature creaminess of Cajun Salmon and Shrimp.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can! Use a plant-based butter, swap in canned coconut milk or a thick dairy-free cream for the sauce, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors will still shine, and the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp remains a decadent treat.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions. Just sauté them until tender before adding the salmon and shrimp, then fold into the sauce for even more texture and color in your Cajun Salmon and Shrimp.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making dinner feel extra special or just craving some Southern flair, Cajun Salmon and Shrimp packs crowd-pleasing flavor into every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and sure to make regular appearances at your table! Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself to something bold, creamy, and vibrant—you’ll fall in love with Cajun Salmon and Shrimp all over again.

Cajun Salmon and Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need