Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for a Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Are you craving something comforting, simple, and bursting with flavor? This Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is your answer—a restaurant-worthy dish you can make in less than 30 minutes! Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated, and this creamy salmon skillet proves just that. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe brings together juicy pan-seared salmon, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Life moves fast, and sometimes you need a dinner that comes together quickly without leaving you with a sink full of dishes. I grew up in a house where salmon was reserved for special occasions, but this recipe changed everything—it’s easy enough for Tuesday night but fancy enough to impress on date night or holidays. This dish is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and loaded with healthy omega-3s from salmon!

So, if you’re dreaming of a one-pan salmon dinner that’s creamy, garlicky, and simply irresistible, let’s get cooking!

Image: Juicy golden salmon fillets nestled in a creamy garlic butter sauce, served in a cast iron skillet on a rustic wooden table, natural daylight streaming in.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

If you love healthy comfort food, you’re going to be obsessed with this garlic butter salmon recipe. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation:

• Fast and Foolproof: Ready in 30 minutes or less
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor
• Rich Flavor: Buttery, garlicky, and oh-so-creamy
• Nutritious: Packed with protein & healthy fats (omega-3s)
• Easily Adaptable: Great with asparagus, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes

Ingredients You Need (and Simple Swaps)

Here’s what you need for this quick garlic butter salmon dinner. Most ingredients are pantry staples—see the table below for easy swaps if needed.

Ingredient	Purpose	Easy Swap
Salmon fillets	Main protein, rich in omega-3	Steelhead trout, cod, or chicken breast
Butter	Adds flavor & helps brown	Ghee or olive oil
Heavy cream	Makes sauce rich & creamy	Coconut cream, evaporated milk, or half and half
Fresh garlic	Burst of savory aroma	Shallots or garlic powder (½ tsp per clove)
Lemon juice	Brings balance & freshness	Lime juice, white wine, or apple cider vinegar
Parmesan cheese	Umami and thickness	Nutritional yeast or cream cheese
Fresh parsley	Color & herby flavor	Dill, chives, or basil

How to Cook Creamy Salmon (Step by Step)

• Pat salmon dry: Moisture prevents crisping. Blot fillets with paper towels for best sear.
• Season generously: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika work wonders. This enhances both flavor and color.
• Sear in butter: Medium-high heat, skin side down first. Don’t move the fish until it’s ready to flip—this helps get that beautiful golden crust.
• Make the sauce: Lower heat and add garlic. Once fragrant, pour in cream and parmesan.
• Add salmon back & simmer: Coat in sauce, finish with a squeeze of lemon and parsley.

Suggested Sides for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Not sure what to serve alongside your salmon? Try these:

• Steamed asparagus, green beans, or spinach
• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for cozy vibes
• Lemon herb rice or quinoa for a healthy, filling base
• Warm, crusty sourdough to mop up the sauce

Tips for Perfect Salmon Every Time

• Room Temperature Fish: Let salmon sit on the counter 15 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear in batches if needed. Crowding lowers pan temperature and prevents a crisp crust.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly; remove from heat once opaque in the center (about 125-130°F internal temp).
• Add Greens or Veggies: Toss baby spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes into the sauce for more nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free? Use olive oil for butter and coconut cream for heavy cream.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	4g
Fat	28g
Protein	35g

(Nutrition data is approximate, per serving – based on 4 servings using heavy cream and parmesan. For lighter options, use half and half or coconut cream.)

Must-Try Variations

• Creamy Tuscan: Add sundried tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach or kale.
• Lemon Dill: Skip the parmesan, add extra lemon and loads of fresh dill.
• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms after garlic for a deeper umami hit.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of cayenne in the sauce.

Make It Ahead or Store Leftovers

– Meal Prep: The sauce can be made ahead and stored separately. Just blend into gently reheated salmon before serving.
– Leftovers: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of stock or cream.
– Freezing: Not recommended for dairy-based sauces (they may separate).

FAQ: Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Don’t Miss Out—Share and Save!

Loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon? Try it for your next cozy dinner, and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it easily for future weeknights! Share with friends, post in your favorite cooking group or family WhatsApp, or even snap a picture and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!

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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream/half and half)
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon (plus extra wedges to serve)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
• Optional: 1 tsp Italian seasoning or smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add salmon skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with foil.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Stir in parmesan until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
7. Return salmon to the skillet. Spoon sauce over and simmer together for another minute to heat through.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, with more lemon wedges.

Optional Add-ins: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms

Nutrition Info (per serving):

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	4g
Fat	28g
Protein	35g

Enjoy and Share the Creamy Salmon Love!

I hope this easy creamy garlic butter salmon brings as much joy (and flavor!) to your table as it does to mine. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that feels like a little celebration. If you try this recipe, please save it on Pinterest, share it with your foodie friends or WhatsApp groups, and let me know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking!