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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
