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Delicious Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon

As seen in Fresh Seafood Recipes from Coast to Coast.

This dish brings comforting flavors from Italian-inspired cooking with a modern twist. Garlic-butter broiled salmon gets crispy edges while staying soft inside. It's finished in a creamy sauce made with parmesan, lemon, salsa verde, and sun-dried tomatoes. Spinach adds a splash of green, and fresh herbs bring everything together. It's a great meal for impressing loved ones or elevating a quiet dinner at home, ready in just over half an hour. Serve with bread, pasta, or roasted veggies to capture every drop of that sauce.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Tue, 25 Feb 2025 01:42:12 GMT
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Luscious Salmon in Creamy Garlic Sauce Save Recipe
Luscious Salmon in Creamy Garlic Sauce | quickierecipe.com

Transform simple ingredients into an elegant restaurant-quality meal with this one-pan garlic butter salmon. The fish develops a perfectly crispy exterior under the broiler while basking in aromatic compound butter. A velvety parmesan cream sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach brings everything together into a luxurious dinner.

This technique emerged from a busy weeknight when traditional pan-searing seemed too complex. The broiler method not only simplified the process but created a beautiful golden crust that has made this our trusted approach for consistently excellent salmon.

Essential Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: Select uniform center-cut pieces with bright pink flesh and fresh aroma
  • Fresh thyme: Provides aromatic essence when heated with butter
  • Fresh garlic: Choose firm, whole heads for best flavor
  • Heavy cream: Creates silky sauce texture
  • Salsa verde: Adds brightness to cream sauce
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed variety offers richest flavor
  • Baby spinach: Fresh leaves wilt perfectly into sauce

Preparation Method

Broiler Setup:
Position rack near top. Thoroughly dry salmon and season well with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
Herb Infusion:
Surround fish with thyme and garlic, allowing butter to melt and infuse.
Sauce Development:
Use softened garlic and pan drippings as sauce base, cooking shallots until translucent.

Final Assembly

Finishing Touch:
Watch sauce components unite as cream reduces, cheese melts, and greens wilt. Return salmon to pan to meld flavors together.
Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe Save Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe | quickierecipe.com

Professional kitchens rely on fond - those flavorful browned bits - as the foundation of exceptional sauces. This technique harnesses that same principle, creating an intensely flavored base for the cream sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside roasted fingerling potatoes to soak up the cream sauce. Add steamed asparagus or French green beans for color and freshness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers pleasant contrast.

Recipe Variations

Adapt this versatile dish to your preferences. Use coconut cream for dairy-free preparation. Substitute other quick-cooking greens like chard or kale. Mediterranean versions can include artichokes and capers.

Storage Instructions

Store salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers. Thin chilled sauce with a splash of liquid when reheating. Warm salmon gently at 275°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain moisture.

This recipe exemplifies how quality ingredients and proper technique combine to create exceptional results. The interplay of crispy salmon, aromatic herbs, and rich sauce demonstrates that sophisticated cooking can be surprisingly straightforward.

Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe Save Recipe
Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe | quickierecipe.com

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach is ideal, but frozen can work. Just thaw it and make sure to squeeze out all the extra water.
→ Can I replace salsa verde?
Sure! Swap it with pesto or blend up some fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano with olive oil.
→ What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or roasted potatoes to soak up the sauce.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance. Cook the salmon fresh and reheat the sauce when you're ready to eat.
→ Why is broiling the salmon recommended?
Broiling gives the fish a crispy, golden top while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Salmon

Broiled salmon, juicy and tender, bathed in a zesty cream sauce with a hint of lemon, garlic, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Preparation Time
15 Mins
Cooking Time
20 Mins
Total Time
35 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Ocean Flavors

Skill Level: Medium

Style: Italian-American fusion

Makes: 4 Serves

Dietary Notes: Low in Carbs, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Salmon

01 Four filets of salmon, your choice of skin-on or skinless
02 Salt and freshly ground pepper for seasoning
03 4 tbsp of salted butter, split up
04 A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme
05 Four garlic cloves, gently crushed

→ Creamy Sauce

06 One shallot, sliced really thin
07 Pinch of chili flakes, depending on your heat preference
08 One cup of heavy cream
09 1/3 cup of salsa verde
10 Grated parmesan, one full cup
11 A half cup of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
12 Three cups of fresh spinach leaves

→ Toppings

13 1 tbsp of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
14 Some lemon zest, about a tablespoon
15 Chopped dill, 2 tablespoons
16 A quarter cup of green onions, chopped small

Method

01

Set your oven to broil to get it ready.

02

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the salmon, then put it in a skillet that’s oven-safe. Toss in one tablespoon of butter along with the thyme and garlic. Broil for 5-8 minutes until the top is nice and crispy.

03

Take the salmon out of the skillet. In the same pan, add the leftover butter along with the shallots and chili flakes. Cook for two minutes while mashing the garlic into a paste.

04

Pour in the cream and salsa verde, letting it simmer until it gets smooth. Stir in the parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Keep cooking for 3-5 minutes, just until the spinach softens.

05

Place the salmon back into the sauce and add the lemon juice. Mix the lemon zest, dill, and green onions, then sprinkle them over the finished dish.

Cook's Tips

  1. This dish goes great with some pasta or a nice piece of bread.
  2. You can prep the sauce ahead of time and heat it up when you need it.

Kitchen Equipment

  • A skillet that can go in the oven
  • Measuring tools for cups and spoons
  • A sharp kitchen knife

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • Uses dairy products like butter, cream, and parmesan.
  • Contains fish—specifically salmon.

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 472
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein: ~