Hey there, and welcome back! If you’ve been looking for a salmon recipe that’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday night—this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon has your name written all over it. We’re talking perfectly pan-seared salmon in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce that’s big on flavor and low on effort.

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What Is Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?

This dish is a one-pan wonder: golden seared salmon fillets nestled into a rich, garlicky, creamy butter sauce with hints of parmesan and lemon. It’s fast, fuss-free, and bursting with restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes. And yes, it’s absolutely weeknight-approved!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan = easy cleanup
Ultra creamy garlic butter sauce = flavor city
Low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly
Ready in under 30 minutes
Pairs with veggies, pasta, rice, or bread for soaking up every drop

What It Tastes Like

Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy from the lemon and parmesan, this dish brings the richness of butter and cream together with garlic’s bite and salmon’s natural sweetness. It’s silky, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little kick

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet (preferably stainless or cast iron)
Tongs or fish spatula
Microplane or fine grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Optional Additions & Substitutions

Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and skip the cheese
Add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms work beautifully
No wine? Sub with extra broth
No salmon? This sauce pairs great with shrimp or chicken!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon, skin-side down first, for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in broth or wine and reduce by half. Add heavy cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Finish & Serve

Return salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Simmer 1–2 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Salmon

Mashed potatoes, lemon rice, or garlic pasta
Zoodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus
Or round it out with some crowd-pleasing favorites like:
- Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad – cool, creamy, and packed with zesty flavor
- Chicken & Waffles with Blueberry Syrup – for a decadent twist on surf & turf
- Vegetable Platter with Coconut Aminos – light, crunchy, and a perfect appetizer or side

Tips for Perfect Salmon

Don’t move it while searing—let that crust form!
Room temp cream helps prevent curdling
Sauce too thick? Thin with a splash of broth
Let the salmon rest before serving to lock in juices

Storage & Reheating

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of broth or cream
Not freezer-friendly: Cream-based sauces tend to separate after freezing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can prep everything and cook quickly just before serving.

What if I don’t have parmesan?

You can skip it or use another hard cheese like Romano or Grana Padano.

Wrapping It All Up

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is your new weeknight (or date night!) MVP. It’s rich without being heavy, fancy without the effort, and basically made to impress your tastebuds. Whether you serve it with pasta, potatoes, or just a spoon to scoop up all that sauce—you’re going to love every bite.

Looking for more dishes that bring big flavor with simple steps? Try these next:

Made this creamy salmon masterpiece? I definitely want to see it! 🧄🐟
Tag me on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and share your photos using #Mmmrecipes. Whether you served it with pasta, rice, or a cozy veggie side, I’m here for all of it!