If you’re craving a rich and satisfying meal, Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp is a perfect choice. This dish combines the indulgent, velvety Alfredo sauce with two of the most popular seafood options—salmon and shrimp. The result? A comforting, flavorful meal that is as luxurious as it is delicious.

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests, this recipe offers an ideal blend of seafood, creamy sauce, and pasta. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a special celebration.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first explore the nutritional benefits of the two main ingredients—salmon and shrimp—that make this dish both tasty and healthy.

You can learn more about the versatility and benefits of shrimp through Southern Living’s guide on shrimp pasta recipes, where they provide tons of ideas on incorporating shrimp into your meals.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon and Shrimp

The Benefits of Salmon:

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining heart health. Omega-3s help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rich in protein, salmon also provides essential vitamins like Vitamin D, B12, and selenium, which play a role in immune health, metabolism, and cellular function.
It’s packed with antioxidants, particularly astaxanthin, which can help reduce inflammation and protect skin health.

Not to mention, it’s an excellent source of healthy fats, making it an ideal addition to any balanced diet. If you want to explore how salmon fits into a healthy diet, check out this article by Southern Living to get more seafood recipe ideas.

The Benefits of Shrimp:

Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or build lean muscle. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains around 20 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
It’s an excellent source of iodine, which is important for thyroid function. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid can’t produce hormones properly, affecting metabolism and energy levels.
Shrimp also contains antioxidants like astaxanthin and selenium, which support immune health and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Combining these two seafood superstars with pasta makes for a wholesome meal that offers an array of nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Understanding Alfredo Sauce: The Creamy Base of the Dish

The heart of this dish lies in the Alfredo sauce, which is the perfect complement to the salmon and shrimp. Traditionally, Alfredo sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for pairing with pasta.

The base of the sauce is simple, but the flavor is incredibly satisfying. By incorporating seafood, you create a dish that feels indulgent but still packs a nutritional punch.

Here’s how you can make a classic Alfredo sauce:

Butter – The richness of butter is essential for the smooth texture of the sauce. It’s often the first ingredient to be melted in the pan.
Cream – Heavy cream creates that velvety texture, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and butter.

Once you’ve prepared your seafood Alfredo sauce, you’ll toss it with pasta to create a truly satisfying meal.

If you’re looking for tips on how to elevate your shrimp-based dishes, Southern Living’s guide provides great inspiration for making the most out of your seafood pasta recipes. Check it out here.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before you get started with this indulgent Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp, here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need.

Ingredients:

1 lb fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with other types of pasta, like penne or spaghetti.
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor, though frozen works well too.
2 salmon fillets, skinless – Opt for fresh or previously frozen salmon.
4 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream – The base of your Alfredo sauce.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated works best.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil – Used for cooking the shrimp and salmon.
Salt and pepper to taste – To season the seafood and sauce.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Equipment:

Large pot – To boil the pasta.
Large skillet or frying pan – To cook the seafood.
Medium saucepan – For preparing the Alfredo sauce.
Tongs or slotted spoon – For tossing the pasta with the sauce and seafood.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but reserve about half a cup of the pasta water to use later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

Once it has cooled, flake the salmon into large pieces. Keep the salmon warm while you cook the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside with the salmon.

Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it’s completely melted and the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the Alfredo sauce is ready, add the pasta, shrimp, and flaked salmon to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and seafood in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy your indulgent yet balanced meal.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for added creaminess.
If you prefer a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy Cajun seasoning blend.
To make this dish lighter, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even use a plant-based milk alternative.

Serving Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider pairing it with a light, refreshing side dish:

A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the Alfredo pasta.
Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

You can also pair the meal with a glass of Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc, or even a Pinot Grigio for a perfectly balanced dinner.

Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Salmon & Shrimp

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

An indulgent, luxurious pasta dish combining a rich Alfredo sauce with tender salmon and shrimp. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavors and a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 salmon fillets, skinless
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Boil fettuccine pasta in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove, let cool slightly, and flake into large pieces.
In the same skillet, heat another tbsp of olive oil and sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Add pasta, shrimp, and flaked salmon to the saucepan with Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute plant-based milk. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 680
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: alfredo salmon shrimp pasta, creamy pasta recipe, seafood pasta