If you are craving a dish that is both luxurious and easy to prepare, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection and bathed in a rich, velvety garlic butter cream sauce that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests on a special occasion, this recipe brings the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures that will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of this recipe. Each one plays an essential role—like how the heavy cream creates that irresistible softness, fresh garlic amps up the aroma, and the Parmesan adds a sharp, savory touch.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless: Choose fresh, quality salmon for the juiciest results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the salmon perfectly without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth base for the sauce.
- 6 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with that signature bold and fragrant garlic flavor.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and bring a light savory base to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly and enriches the sauce with sharp, nutty notes.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, tangy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an herbal warmth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if you like your dishes with a little spark.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional): Tossed in for color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a refreshing pop of green and a mild herby note.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry to ensure a golden crust. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place the salmon skin-side down. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon is beautifully browned and just cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter, allowing it to bubble gently without burning. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until you smell that heady garlic aroma paired with the onions turning translucent. This step is where the magic of flavor really starts to build.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those golden bits clinging to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Keep cooking for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a silky blanket perfect for your salmon.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish Cooking
If you’re including spinach, stir it into the sauce now and cook just until wilted, adding a lovely vibrant color and nutrition boost. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them gently in the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top, then simmer everything together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the salmon stays tender.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnishes don’t just add beauty—they complement the flavors. Freshly chopped parsley is ideal here, offering a mild, fresh herbal note that balances the rich sauce. A quick sprinkle over the top makes the dish look inviting and adds a tiny flavor boost with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes are classics that let every drop of sauce be savored. Alternatively, crusty bread invites you to soak up that garlicky, cheesy goodness and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles or roasted baby potatoes to add texture and visual interest. You could also plate with a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or a lemon wedge on the side for a bright, fresh contrast that elevates the whole meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this creamy garlic butter salmon, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Although freezing salmon is possible, it’s best to freeze it before cooking for optimal texture. If you must freeze cooked leftovers, do so in an airtight container without the fresh spinach garnish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy sauce smooth and prevent separation. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the salmon and change the sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking to achieve the perfect sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made dairy-free?
The original recipe includes butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, which are dairy. However, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and omit the Parmesan to create a dairy-free version, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach is optional, but you can also add mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the pan when cooking the sauce to boost flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve instead of chicken broth?
You can swap chicken broth with white wine for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Vegetable broth is also a great alternative if you want to keep it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is cooked when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking it for 4 to 5 minutes per side on medium-high heat typically yields a tender and juicy fillet.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with such ease, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your dinner routine with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. I encourage you to try it soon—you’re going to love how the creamy garlic butter sauce and savory salmon fillets come together for a meal that feels like a special treat every time.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic butter salmon is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and simmered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Quick and indulgent, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Aromatics
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down first and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is translucent and softened.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spinach (Optional): Stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook until they fully wilt, about 1-2 minutes, incorporating them into the creamy sauce.
- Return Salmon to Sauce: Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer gently for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to reheat the salmon.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy it with your choice of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with white wine for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
