If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is exactly that. Juicy salmon fillets are beautifully seared to perfection, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched with creamy Parmesan and a hint of lemon. This recipe brings together richness, brightness, and a silky texture that transforms everyday salmon into a stunning main course. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will earn a top spot in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor and beautiful textures. The simplicity of the list means you likely have most items already, and each component melds into a harmonious, unforgettable dish.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best texture and flavor when seared.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing, adds a subtle fruity note and crisp skin.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and depth, essential for the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Delivers a fragrant kick, perfectly balanced in the sauce.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine (1/2 cup): Creates acidity and deglazes the pan, building the sauce base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings richness and a velvety texture that coats every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savory umami and helps thicken the sauce just right.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle herb blend that complements the garlic and butter flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish, cutting through the richness.
- Baby spinach (2 cups, optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color while wilting into the sauce.
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges (optional): For garnish, enhancing aroma and presentation.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry to ensure a beautiful sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it brings out the salmon’s natural flavors and helps achieve a lovely crust on the outside.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place each salmon fillet skin-side down, letting the skillet work its magic. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each filet is golden with crisp skin and just cooked through. Then, transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Build Your Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Once the butter is shimmering, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This quick sauté unlocks the garlic’s beautiful aroma, setting the stage for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping any golden bits stuck to the pan — these bits carry intense flavor. Let the liquid simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Add the Cream, Cheese, and Seasoning
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky-smooth. This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish, tying together the richness of butter and cheese with the brightness of lemon.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach and Finish
If you’re using spinach, toss it into the sauce now and stir until it just wilts — it adds wonderful color and a mild earthiness. Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of fresh green and a subtle freshness that balances the decadent sauce. Pairing with lemon wedges is perfect for anyone who loves an extra zing of citrus to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe shines paired with simple, comforting sides. Steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables are all excellent options that absorb the luscious sauce beautifully, making each forkful an experience in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the salmon over a bed of garlic-infused mashed cauliflower or creamy polenta for an elegant twist. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the presentation and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon and creamy sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor for up to 2 days. When stored properly, you can enjoy this dish again with nearly the same deliciousness as freshly made.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce by itself for up to one month in a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the cooked salmon as it can become dry and tough. When you want a quick meal, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight and gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating. Add a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much. Warm the salmon separately and then combine just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure a great sear and proper texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version that still offers plenty of richness and flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the garlic butter sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before adding the cooked salmon to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer not to use chicken broth, dry white wine or vegetable broth are excellent alternatives that still complement the flavors beautifully.
How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist in the center. Cooking times vary slightly depending on thickness, but 4 to 5 minutes per side usually hits the spot.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it feels so luxurious yet comes together in under 30 minutes. The harmony of tender salmon and rich garlic-Parmesan sauce makes every meal feel like a treat. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked in a rich, luscious garlic butter Parmesan cream sauce. Enhanced with a touch of lemon and optional baby spinach, this elegant skillet dish comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it’s packed with bold flavors and creamy textures that everyone will love.
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 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly.
- Wilt the Spinach: If using, add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir it into the sauce until wilted, which should take just a minute.
- Return Salmon to Skillet: Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over each fillet. Simmer everything together for 2 more minutes to allow the salmon to heat through and absorb some sauce flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately, pairing with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- To ensure flaky salmon, avoid overcooking; the salmon should just flake easily with a fork.
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for a more pronounced flavor.
- Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is preferred for best flavor.
