If you love rich and flavorful seafood dishes, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender, perfectly seared salmon bathed in a luscious sauce made with garlic, butter, cream, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon—each bite is a celebration of indulgence and comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, whether adding depth of flavor, creating a creamy texture, or brightening the dish with fresh notes. The list might look simple, but these essentials come together beautifully to make the dish unforgettable.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to get a nicely crisped exterior on the salmon.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the luxurious base for the sauce.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that unmistakably fragrant and vibrant garlic flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to making the sauce creamy, smooth, and absolutely luscious.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough while contributing savory notes.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a nutty, salty flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with a fresh, zesty brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that deepens the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild bite to balance the cream.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a fresh herbal touch and visual appeal.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry—this helps you get that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the salmon skin-side down (if your fillets have skin). Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step awakens the aromatics that make the sauce truly tasty.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine
Toss in the baby spinach leaves, cooking just until they wilt—about a minute. Return the seared salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce generously over each fillet. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the salmon heats through.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce perfectly. You can also add a lemon wedge for those who love an extra citrus burst.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a crusty piece of bread ready to soak up all that creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to add contrast and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, plate the salmon over a bed of buttery asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans. Drizzle additional sauce artistically around the plate for that restaurant-quality look—and of course, don’t forget to add some vibrant microgreens or edible flowers if you want to make it really special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salmon with sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so just stir gently during reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, separate the salmon from the sauce and store them in individual airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. This helps maintain texture and flavor better than freezing them together.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the sauce silky and the salmon tender, but if needed, use medium power in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.
Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, substituting half-and-half makes the dish a bit lighter, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick as with heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, a non-dairy cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a suitable vegan cheese.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork but still feel slightly firm. Overcooking dries it out, so keep an eye on it especially during the searing step.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat it when you’re ready to cook the salmon. Add the spinach fresh when reheating to keep it vibrant and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it’s just that good. The harmony of garlic, butter, and cream with the naturally rich salmon creates a meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try and discover just how simple and spectacular dinner can be with just a few thoughtful ingredients and steps.
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 recipe offers tender, seared salmon fillets cooked in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan and spinach. It’s a comforting yet elegant main dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and generously season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Spinach: Toss in baby spinach leaves and cook for about 1 minute until wilted, infusing the sauce with vibrant greens.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with your choice of side.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a lighter sauce option, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its moist texture.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor intensity.
