Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is an indulgent and flavorful skillet dish combining perfectly seared salmon fillets with a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with Parmesan and fresh spinach. It’s an effortless yet impressive meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, delivering tender, juicy salmon with a luscious, velvety sauce.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and sear the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and finely chopped onion; cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and release their fragrance.
- Simmer cream mixture: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add spinach and combine: Toss in the baby spinach leaves and cook for about 1 minute until wilted. Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Finish cooking: Let everything simmer together for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat the salmon through and marry the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream without sacrificing creaminess.
- Ensure salmon is not overcooked to keep it tender and moist.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with baby kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
