Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe: Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes? My creamy garlic butter salmon recipe is the answer! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to treat yourself, and it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Even if you’re new to cooking salmon or working with creamy sauces, don’t worry — I’ll walk you through every step.

Salmon is one of my favorite proteins to cook, especially during spring when fresh herbs and seasonal veggies are abundant. Growing up, my family’s go-to was always fish on Fridays, but we rarely ventured beyond classic baked fillets. It wasn’t until I tried salmon simmered in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that I realized just how incredible this fish can be! Imagine juicy, flaky salmon nestled in a creamy, garlicky sauce — all you need is a crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Ready to make this dreamy dish your new dinner favorite? Let’s get cooking!

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Image: Creamy garlic butter salmon fillets in a rustic skillet, sauce swirling around, lemon wedges on the side, natural light

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Why This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Is a Weeknight MVP

There’s a reason this recipe is a Pinterest superstar — it tastes decadent, but it’s secretly so easy. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Fast: On the table in 25 minutes, start to finish.
• Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples, plus fresh salmon.
• Versatile: Pairs with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
• Healthy Fats: Loaded with omega-3s and protein (win-win!).
• One-Pan Clean-Up: Less mess for you, more time to relax.

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Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)

Salmon fillets are the star, but the luscious sauce makes it next-level. Here’s a breakdown:

Ingredient	Purpose	Easy Swap
Salmon fillets	Main protein	Trout or cod
Butter	Richness & flavor base	Ghee
Garlic cloves	Bold, aromatic flavor	Shallots (for milder flavor)
Heavy cream	Creamy sauce factor	Half & half or coconut milk
Chicken or veggie broth	Lightens & seasons sauce	Water (+ bouillon)
Parmesan cheese	Salty, umami richness	Grana Padano
Lemon juice	Brightness, balances richness	Lime juice
Fresh parsley	Herby freshness	Dill or chives

A little flexibility goes a long way, so use what you have! This is part of what makes creamy garlic butter salmon a true weeknight hero.

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon (Step-by-Step)

You’ll be amazed at how easy this method is, even if you’ve never cooked fish before. Here’s a snapshot of what’s involved:

1. Pat the Salmon Dry: This ensures a beautiful sear.
2. Season & Sear: Salt, pepper, and a hot pan — about 4 minutes per side.
3. Make the Sauce: Butter, lots of garlic, a splash of broth, cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan meld together in minutes.
4. Add Salmon Back: Simmer gently until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
5. Finish with Herbs & Lemon: This wakes up all the flavors. Serve and enjoy!

Still worried about overcooking? Salmon is forgiving in a creamy sauce. The gentle simmer keeps it moist and tender.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Think of this creamy salmon as your starting point for quick, delicious dinners. Some of my favorite ideas:

• Pasta: Toss the sauce with fettuccine for a one-bowl meal.
• Rice: Spoon salmon and sauce over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Rich on rich (sometimes you need comfort food!).
• Steamed Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach balance the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

No matter what you serve it with, you’ll have a healthy, satisfying meal packed with flavor.

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Do’s and Don’ts for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Do: Use fresh salmon (or thoroughly thaw frozen fillets).
• Do: Pat salmon dry for a golden crust.
• Do: Let the sauce simmer gently (avoid boiling).
• Do: Finish with herbs and lemon for brightness.
• Don’t: Overcook the salmon—you want it just opaque in the center.
• Don’t: Rush adding the cream (let the broth simmer a minute first for best flavor).

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Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
440	8g	28g	35g

*Approximate values, varies with serving size and ingredient choices.

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FAQ: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

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Try This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon for an Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Tonight!

I promise — this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s satisfying, cozy, and turns any night into something special. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went! Tag your creation on Instagram, save this recipe on Pinterest, or share it with your favorite food group or WhatsApp chat. You’ll make someone’s night a little more delicious.

Now, let’s cook!

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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter option)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dill/chives)
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Prep the salmon: Pat the fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the fish: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon butter. When melted and foaming, add the salmon fillets skin side down (if using skin-on). Cook 4 minutes, flip, and cook 2–3 more minutes until golden and just opaque. Transfer to a plate.
3. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the minced garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add liquid: Pour in broth, scraping up any brown bits, and simmer 2 minutes.
5. Stir in cream and Parmesan: Pour in cream and sprinkle in cheese. Simmer gently (don’t boil) until sauce begins to thicken, 2–3 minutes.
6. Return salmon: Nestle fillets back into the pan. Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle with herbs. Simmer 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
7. Finish & Serve: Taste sauce and season with more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Serve salmon with plenty of creamy sauce spooned over the top and extra herbs if you like.

Optional Garnish: Extra lemon wedges, a drizzle of olive oil, or cracked black pepper.

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Nutrition Info (per serving)

Calories	Carbohydrates	Fat	Protein
440	8g	28g	35g

*Nutrition facts are estimates.

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Ready to make dinner magic? Pin this recipe, share with your favorite cooking group, or send it to a friend who loves salmon! Every save and share inspires me to create even more easy, delicious meals for you.