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
Scale
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.
