Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a delicious and rich main course combining tender, pan-seared salmon fillets with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning, it offers a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a nice crust during searing.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes until salmon is just cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become soft and translucent.
- Create Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Wilt Spinach: Toss in the baby spinach leaves and cook for about 1 minute until wilted, incorporating fresh greens into the sauce.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over each piece. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to marry.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color.
Notes
- This creamy salmon dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed pasta, or crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- For a lighter variation, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce richness without sacrificing creaminess.
