Name: Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on); 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8 ounces linguine pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is a rich, elegant dish featuring perfectly seared salmon and juicy shrimp served over a bed of creamy, garlicky spinach linguine. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food that I can easily make at home for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish feels indulgent without being fussy. The butter-seared salmon and shrimp add depth and flavor, while the creamy spinach sauce wraps around the linguine in the most comforting way. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive but comes together in under an hour—perfect when I want to treat myself or wow guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on, depending on preference)
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Linguine pasta
Fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Lemon juice (for brightness)

Directions

I start by boiling salted water and cooking the linguine until al dente. I reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
While the pasta cooks, I season the salmon and shrimp with salt and pepper.
I heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a skillet, then sear the salmon fillets on both sides until golden and cooked through. I remove and set them aside.
In the same pan, I cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and tender, then set them aside with the salmon.
I add a bit more butter to the pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then I stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
I pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
I toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. I finish with a splash of lemon juice and red pepper flakes.
I plate the pasta and top each portion with salmon and shrimp, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook—ready in around 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap linguine for fettuccine or angel hair pasta. I’ve also added sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce for extra richness. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in a dairy-free cream alternative.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or milk and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?

Yes, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I make the sauce earlier in the day and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I use half-and-half, whole milk with a little flour, or a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or oat cream.

Can I skip the spinach?

Yes, but I love how the spinach balances the richness. Kale or arugula works as a substitute too.

How do I keep the salmon from drying out?

I sear it over medium-high heat until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. I remove it from the heat right away to keep it moist.

Conclusion

Butter Salmon & Shrimp with Creamy Spinach Linguine is a luxurious, flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home. The buttery seafood paired with rich pasta and fresh spinach makes this dish feel special every time I serve it. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself, it always delivers comfort and class in one perfect plate.