If you’re looking for a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious, this Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is the answer. Juicy, tender salmon fillets are filled with a rich shrimp-and-spinach stuffing, then baked to perfection and topped with a velvety garlic cream sauce. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or anytime you want to impress your family and guests with something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & impressive – looks like fine dining, but it’s easy to make. Flavor-packed – shrimp, spinach, garlic, cream cheese, and salmon combine beautifully. Comforting & indulgent – that creamy garlic sauce ties it all together. Versatile – pairs well with roasted veggies, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skinless)
8–10 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for searing/baking)
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp lemon zest Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Shrimp Stuffing
In a skillet, heat a touch of olive oil and sauté the shrimp until just pink (about 2 minutes). Remove and let cool slightly. In a bowl, mix shrimp, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Fillets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut a pocket into each salmon fillet using a sharp knife. Stuff each salmon pocket with the shrimp mixture. Season the outside with salt, pepper, and a little paprika. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Sear the salmon fillets for 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Place the salmon fillets on plates, drizzle with garlic cream sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
What to Serve With Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon
Mashed potatoes – for a hearty, comforting combo. Garlic butter rice – simple and flavorful. Roasted vegetables – like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. Pasta – toss it with olive oil or a light butter sauce for a balanced meal.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the salmon – it should be flaky but still moist. Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor. Adjust stuffing – you can add crab meat, mushrooms, or even a little mozzarella for variation. Make ahead – prepare the stuffing earlier in the day and assemble when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp-Stuffed Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is more than just a recipe – it’s an experience. Every bite delivers creamy, garlicky indulgence with the freshness of shrimp and the richness of salmon. It’s the kind of dish that makes people say “Wow!” the moment it hits the table.
Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or simply treating yourself, this elegant recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.