Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of ½ lemon; 2 cups baby spinach; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is about to become your new best friend. This dish features tender salmon fillets nestled in a rich, velvety sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and every bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness and bright, fresh flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or aiming to impress guests, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon brings restaurant-level goodness straight to your kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Each component plays its part, building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible creaminess and color.

Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, center-cut fillets for the best texture and flavor—skin on or off, your choice.
Olive Oil: Helps you get that gorgeous golden sear on the salmon while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Unsalted Butter: Lends a rich, creamy mouthfeel to the sauce and enhances the overall taste.
Garlic: The star of the show—use freshly minced cloves for that deep, aromatic punch.
Yellow Onion: Finely chopped onion softens in the butter, adding sweetness and depth.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously silky—don’t skimp!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, giving the sauce a nutty, salty richness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a lovely earthiness to every bite.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with a gentle heat.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the creaminess with a touch of acidity.
Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrition—simply stir in at the end.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the sauce to perfection.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a hint of color right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry—this helps them sear beautifully. Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, place the salmon skin-side down (if using) and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is golden and just cooked through. Transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside; you’ll return them to the pan soon.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for the Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to your skillet. When it has melted and started to bubble, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, then add your minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds—just until the garlic is fragrant and not browned. This base is what gives Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon its signature flavor.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring up any golden bits stuck to the pan (they carry so much flavor!). Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and the cheese melts into creamy perfection.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Brighten with Lemon

Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add the baby spinach. Stir gently—within a minute or two the spinach will wilt down and become one with the sauce. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the luscious creamy garlic butter sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for a minute or two, just until everything is piping hot and the salmon is coated in the golden sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Prepare yourself for compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Garnishes

Keep it simple and classic: a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and a lovely pop of color. If you want to elevate things further, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few lemon wedges on the side for a burst of zesty flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is made for soaking up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with a mound of fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a hunk of warm, crusty bread. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, plate each salmon fillet individually with a swirl of sauce and a few spinach leaves for an elegant touch. Or, serve family-style in the skillet, letting everyone spoon their own salmon and sauce—it’s both rustic and visually impressive. You can even flake the salmon and toss it with pasta for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure the salmon is fully cooled before sealing it up to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

While the salmon itself freezes well, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. If you do freeze, store the salmon and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help bring the sauce back together. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the salmon and make the sauce grainy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking. This helps you achieve a nicely seared, flavorful crust.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! Just use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or your favorite dried herbs. The sauce is quite forgiving and customizable.

Can I add other vegetables to Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even asparagus tips work wonderfully in the sauce and add extra texture and flavor.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 125 to 130°F for moist, tender fish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is truly a winner. It’s a dish you’ll crave again and again, whether for busy weeknights or special occasions. Go ahead—give it a try, and watch it earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe offers a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan, spinach, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner, this skillet meal pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
2 cups baby spinach
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help form a nice crust during cooking.
Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon, skin-side down if using, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and once melted, sauté the finely chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add lemon and spinach: Pour in the lemon juice and add the baby spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and integrates into the creamy sauce.
Combine and finish: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over each piece, and simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately with your choice of sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.