Seafood lovers will fall in love with this Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp with Salmon recipe. This delicious dish combines two incredible seafood favorites — tender salmon and juicy shrimp — baked together in a rich garlic butter cream sauce that is packed with flavor.
The salmon becomes perfectly flaky while the shrimp cooks until tender and succulent. Every bite is coated with a creamy sauce made with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a touch of lemon that creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
This baked seafood recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, date nights, special occasions, or whenever you want a meal that feels elegant but requires minimal effort. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a comforting seafood dinner that your whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp with Salmon
Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home
The combination of salmon and shrimp creates a luxurious seafood dish that tastes like something you would order at a high-end restaurant. The creamy garlic butter sauce brings everything together with rich, savory flavor.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This recipe requires minimal prep work. Simply season the seafood, prepare the sauce, and let the oven create a perfectly cooked meal.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The richness of butter and cream is balanced by fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, creating a sauce that feels indulgent without overpowering the natural seafood flavors.
Healthy and Satisfying Dinner Option
Salmon and shrimp are both excellent sources of protein and make this dish filling while still feeling light and fresh.
Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cracked black pepper
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp with Salmon
1. Prepare the Seafood
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and allows the seafood to develop better flavor while baking.
Place the salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Arrange the shrimp around the salmon pieces.
Drizzle olive oil over the seafood, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this recipe. The butter adds richness, the garlic creates deep flavor, and the Parmesan helps create a creamy texture that coats the seafood beautifully.
3. Pour Sauce Over the Seafood
Slowly pour the creamy garlic butter sauce over the salmon and shrimp, making sure the seafood is evenly covered.
For extra flavor, place a few thin lemon slices on top of the salmon before baking.
4. Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for:
- Salmon: 15–20 minutes depending on thickness
- Shrimp: 10–15 minutes until pink and opaque
The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the shrimp should be firm and fully cooked.
Avoid overcooking because seafood can become dry if left in the oven too long.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve warm with the creamy garlic butter sauce spooned over the seafood.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Salmon
Garlic Butter Pasta
Creamy pasta is one of the best pairings for this seafood dish. The noodles soak up the garlic Parmesan sauce and create a comforting meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Soft, creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich seafood sauce perfectly.
Steamed Rice
Rice is a simple option that allows the flavorful sauce to shine.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve with asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini for a balanced dinner.
Crusty Bread
A warm slice of bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp with Salmon
Choose Fresh Seafood
Fresh salmon and shrimp provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen seafood, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Seafood
Salmon should be moist and flaky, while shrimp should be tender and slightly firm. Overcooking can make both seafood options dry.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh minced garlic creates a much stronger and better flavor compared to garlic powder alone.
Add Parmesan at the Right Time
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce and creates the best creamy texture.
Let the Seafood Rest
Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce settle and keeps the seafood juicy.
Easy Recipe Variations
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Salmon
Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and extra Italian seasoning for a Tuscan-inspired version.
Lemon Herb Seafood Bake
Increase the lemon juice and add fresh dill, parsley, and basil for a brighter flavor.
Spicy Garlic Butter Seafood
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy seafood dinner.
Low-Carb Version
Serve with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or potatoes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover creamy garlic butter shrimp and salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Avoid overheating because shrimp and salmon can become tough when reheated at high temperatures.
The sauce may thicken after refrigeration. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Make sure it is fully thawed and dried before seasoning.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes. You can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter alternative.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes. Asparagus, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli pair beautifully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and season the seafood ahead of time, then bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp with Salmon is the perfect seafood dinner when you want something simple, flavorful, and impressive. The combination of flaky salmon, tender shrimp, and rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
With fresh seafood, bold garlic butter flavor, and a creamy sauce that brings everything together, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers looking for a comforting homemade meal.