Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups fresh spinach; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’re searching for a luxurious yet easy weeknight dinner, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe will absolutely steal the show! Imagine perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, speckled with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to favorite whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, making every bite memorable.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity; every ingredient in the Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe plays a special role in building bold flavors and a dreamy, silky texture. These staples come together to create a salmon dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, yet totally doable at home.

Salmon fillets: The star of the show; choose fresh, center-cut fillets for the juiciest results.
Olive oil: Gives the salmon a gorgeous golden crust and adds richness to the pan sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and depth, forming the base of that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes—don’t be shy with it!
Onion (finely chopped): Brings a sweet, mellow flavor to balance the richness.
Heavy cream: The key to the sauce’s creamy texture and decadent mouthfeel.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty punch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the sauce a classic, aromatic touch.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that brightens everything up.
Fresh spinach: Wilts into the sauce for color, nutrition, and a fresh green bite.
Lemon juice: Lifts the entire dish with a pop of acidity.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley (chopped): The perfect vibrant garnish for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps them sear beautifully. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This little bit of prep ensures your fillets cook up with a deliciously crisp exterior and well-seasoned bite.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, gently lay the salmon fillets in skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is where the magic begins—the butter soaks up all the savory goodness left behind by the salmon, and the aromatics start to dance in the pan.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Let this mixture gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly into a silky, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Brighten with Lemon

Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet and stir until it wilts right into the sauce. Finish the sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice to awaken all the flavors and keep things tasting light and fresh.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece and let everything warm together on low for another 2 minutes. This final step ensures every bite of salmon is infused with the rich, garlicky goodness of the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The pop of green not only looks gorgeous but also brings a fresh, herby finish that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This salmon is a dream alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta. For a lighter meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad—anything that can soak up that incredible sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salmon family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe, or plate each fillet individually with a swirl of sauce and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can even spoon the salmon and sauce over toasted crusty bread for a decadent open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—the sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors just get better!

Freezing

While the Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon (without the sauce) for up to a month. For the sauce, dairy can separate when frozen, so if you must, freeze the salmon and remake the sauce fresh for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use low power to keep the salmon moist and the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. Frozen salmon works beautifully in this recipe, making it even more convenient for a quick meal.

How do I make this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk. You’ll still get a creamy sauce, but with fewer calories and a slightly lighter texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas are delicious in the sauce. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic so they soften before adding the cream.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce and complements the salmon’s flavor.

Is this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There are no gluten ingredients in the recipe as written. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free sides if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about gathering around the table for a comforting, home-cooked meal, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe never fails to impress. Give it a try and let the rich flavors and creamy sauce turn dinner into the highlight of your week!

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is a delightful and rich main course featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan, spinach, and a hint of lemon. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s ideal for a comforting dinner served with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cream Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups fresh spinach
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season and Sear Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season them evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down first and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 4–5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is soft and translucent.
Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add Spinach and Lemon: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Combine and Warm Through: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top. Let the salmon warm in the sauce for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce the richness.
This salmon dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
To ensure even cooking, let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American