When you crave a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect choice. This dish combines crispy, perfectly seared salmon fillets with a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. The best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family meal, this dish is bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
There’s something magical about the combination of tender salmon and creamy garlic butter sauce. This dish is:
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: It looks and tastes like it came from a fine-dining restaurant.
- Packed with Flavor: The sauce is bursting with garlicky goodness, cheesy richness, and a hint of freshness from the herbs.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just a few minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need for this dish:
For the Seared Salmon
Ingredient | Quantity |
Skinless salmon fillets | 4 |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Italian seasoning | 2 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Oregano | ½ tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp |
For the Cream Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
Minced garlic | ½ tbsp |
Heavy cream | 1 cup |
Chicken broth | ½ cup |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Cream cheese (softened) | 2 tbsp |
Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½–¾ cup |
Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
Fresh basil (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Lay the salmon fillets on a plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub the seasoning into the fillets for even coating.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle a small amount of olive oil to coat the surface.
- Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Lower the heat to ensure the salmon cooks through without burning. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Add Fresh Herbs
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and fresh basil to give the sauce a burst of freshness and color.
5. Combine and Serve
- Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the salmon and let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon hot with your favorite side dishes.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
1. Side Dishes to Complement the Flavors
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness to the meal.
- Rice or Pasta: These soak up the sauce and complete the dish.
2. Wine Pairing
A crisp, chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect companion to this dish.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure the salmon stays tender and juicy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh basil and parsley elevate the flavors.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of crispy salmon and rich cream sauce is a match made in heaven. The salmon’s natural oils meld seamlessly with the buttery sauce, while the garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs add depth and balance. Plus, it’s versatile enough for casual dinners or fancy gatherings.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to ensure a crispy sear.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can skip the cream cheese or replace it with mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
5. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.
6. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the flesh should be opaque and flaky.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
Calories | ~450 kcal |
Protein | 30 g |
Carbohydrates | 6 g |
Fat | 35 g |
Sodium | 800 mg |
Elevate Your Dinner Game Tonight
Now that you’ve learned how to make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon, it’s time to try it for yourself. This dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity, making it a must-have recipe in your collection. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite of this gourmet delight. Your taste buds will thank you!
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Salmon: A Gourmet Delight Made Easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon! Perfectly seared salmon fillets are paired with a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Seared Salmon:
- Skinless salmon fillets – 4
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Italian seasoning – 2 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Oregano – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
For the Cream Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – 3 tbsp
- Minced garlic – ½ tbsp
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Lemon juice – 1 tsp
- Cream cheese (softened) – 2 tbsp
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½–¾ cup
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped) – 1 tbsp
- Fresh basil (chopped) – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon
- Lay the salmon fillets on a plate.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Rub the seasoning into the fillets.
- Sear the Salmon
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle olive oil to coat the surface.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Lower the heat to cook through without burning. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Stir and simmer gently.
- Whisk in cream cheese and Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Stir in chopped parsley and basil for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them warm through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Perfect Sear: Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for a crispier crust.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil and parsley for the best flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Thin the sauce with more chicken broth if needed or simmer longer to thicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American