Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Asparagus – A Luxurious Dinner Made Simple

If you’re looking to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both indulgent and approachable, this Seafood Stuffed Salmon is the perfect choice. Filled with a rich blend of shrimp, crab, cream cheese, and herbs, then baked to flaky perfection, this salmon is the star of the plate. Paired with creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and crisp-tender Sautéed Asparagus, it’s a complete meal that’s worthy of any special occasion—or just a cozy night in.

This dish brings together the best of land and sea, combining bold flavors and luxurious textures in a way that feels both comforting and refined. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elegant yet easy – Looks gourmet, but comes together with simple steps.
Flavor-packed – Cajun-spiced seafood stuffing, creamy potatoes, and garlicky asparagus.
Perfect for special occasions – Ideal for date nights, holidays, or entertaining.
Balanced and satisfying – Protein, veggies, and starch all in one beautiful plate.
Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite herbs.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4.

For the Seafood Stuffed Salmon

2 large salmon fillets (skin-on or off, about 6–8 oz each)
½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ cup lump crab meat
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
¼ cup butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sautéed Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt and black pepper

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet
Baking sheet
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Potato masher or ricer
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Spatula or tongs
Foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Stuffing

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque.

Stir in the crab meat, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, combine:

½ cup softened cream cheese
¼ cup shredded Parmesan
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fold in the shrimp and crab mixture until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

Tip: You can make the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Stuff and Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thickest part of each salmon fillet. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Stuff each pocket generously with the seafood mixture.

Place the stuffed fillets on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden top.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

While the salmon bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Add:

¼ cup butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded Parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste

Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Tip: For extra-smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer or hand mixer.

Step 4: Sauté the Asparagus

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.

Add the trimmed asparagus and 2 cloves minced garlic.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.

Tip: For extra flavor, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Spoon a generous portion of Parmesan mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Top with a stuffed salmon fillet, and arrange a few spears of sautéed asparagus on the side.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and brightness.

Serve immediately and enjoy the applause!

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: ~620 kcal per serving (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the salmon—check for doneness at 15 minutes.
Make ahead: Prepare the stuffing and potatoes in advance to save time.
Customize the stuffing with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses.
Add a sauce: A drizzle of lemon butter or hollandaise takes this dish to the next level.

Variations to Try

Crab-Stuffed Only: Skip the shrimp and double the crab for a more delicate flavor.
Spicy Cajun Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra Cajun seasoning to the stuffing.
Low-Carb Option: Swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower.
Grilled Version: Grill the stuffed salmon in foil packets for a smoky twist.
Vegetarian Twist: Use a spinach-artichoke filling and swap salmon for portobello mushrooms.

Perfect for Special Occasions

This dish is ideal for:

Romantic date nights
Holiday dinners
Celebratory meals
Dinner parties
Impressing guests with minimal effort

Pair it with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Sautéed Asparagus is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. It’s rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced—bringing together the best of the sea and the comfort of home cooking.