Best Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist: A Creamy Seafood Delight
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of our Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist, a luxurious seafood pasta dish that combines tender salmon fillets, succulent shrimp, and a velvety Alfredo sauce with a surprising flavor enhancement. This elegant yet approachable recipe transforms classic Alfredo into something extraordinary with the addition of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest.
The marriage of land and sea flavors creates a symphony of taste in every bite. Imagine perfectly cooked salmon flakes mingling with plump shrimp in a sauce that’s simultaneously rich and bright, clinging to al dente fettuccine. The twist? A touch of Dijon mustard and white wine that elevates the traditional Alfredo sauce to new heights, making this dish worthy of both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory Alfredo sauce balanced with bright lemon and herbal notes, complemented by the natural sweetness of seafood.
- Texture: Silky sauce coats al dente pasta, with tender flakes of salmon and firm, juicy shrimp providing delightful contrast.
- Aroma: Fragrant garlic and shallots mingle with fresh parsley and the briny scent of quality seafood.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant pink salmon and coral shrimp pop against the creamy white sauce and golden pasta.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate home cooks will find this manageable with some multitasking.
- Special Equipment: Large skillet, pasta pot, and zester needed for optimal results.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe earns its medium rating due to the need for timing coordination between cooking pasta, seafood, and sauce simultaneously.
- Category: Main course, seafood pasta, dinner entrée.
- Cuisine: Italian-American fusion with contemporary seafood influences.
- Cost: Mid-range ingredients with splurge-worthy seafood components.
- Season: Excellent year-round but particularly satisfying in cooler months.
- Occasion: Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or when you want to treat yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo
The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of richness and freshness. The classic Alfredo base gets a modern makeover with the addition of white wine and lemon, cutting through the creaminess to let the seafood flavors shine. Unlike traditional Alfredo that can feel heavy, this version remains light enough to enjoy a full portion without regret.
From a preparation standpoint, this recipe offers the satisfaction of restaurant-quality results with manageable home cooking techniques. The sauce comes together quickly while the pasta cooks, and the seafood requires just simple pan-searing. The entire dish can be on the table in under 45 minutes, making it feasible for weeknights despite its impressive presentation.
Nutritionally, this dish provides high-quality protein from both the salmon and shrimp, along with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. By using heavy cream judiciously and incorporating fresh ingredients, we create a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on health considerations. The portion-controlled servings help maintain balance while still delivering indulgence.
For entertaining, this recipe shines as a crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring exotic ingredients. The beautiful presentation – with vibrant salmon and shrimp arranged atop glossy pasta – makes it Instagram-worthy. Guests will be impressed by your culinary skills, never guessing how straightforward the preparation actually is.
Cost-wise, this recipe makes excellent use of premium ingredients. A little salmon goes a long way when flaked through the pasta, and the shrimp quantity can be adjusted based on your budget. The sauce ingredients are pantry staples for most home cooks, making this an accessible luxury.
The Recipe
Salmon and Shrimp Alfredo with a Twist
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Zester or fine grater
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions for al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with salmon.
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and shallot to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Flake the cooked salmon into large chunks and return to skillet along with shrimp. Gently stir to combine.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet along with lemon zest and half the parsley. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with remaining parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter at the end.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator first. Pat seafood dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and texture. Frozen seafood may release more liquid during cooking, so you might need to reduce the sauce longer.
What wine works best in the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid oaky Chardonnays as they can overpower the delicate seafood flavors. If avoiding alcohol, substitute with additional pasta water and a splash of lemon juice.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free (some brands contain trace amounts). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Cook the pasta separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare components ahead of time?
You can cook the seafood and make the sauce base (without cream) 1 day ahead. Reheat gently while cooking fresh pasta. Add cream and seafood at the last moment for best texture.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach make excellent vegetable accompaniments. Crusty bread helps soak up any remaining sauce.
