Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for a Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes fancy but uses pantry staples? This easy creamy garlic butter salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Tender salmon fillets are bathed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor—think steakhouse vibes, straight from your own kitchen.

Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a bright spring night, this dish has a way of making any dinner feel special. I first made this recipe on a rainy Tuesday when the grocery store had fresh wild-caught salmon on sale. Paired with a mound of buttery mashed potatoes and some lightly steamed green beans, my family declared it “restaurant-worthy” at first bite. Since then, it’s been my go-to whenever I crave cozy comfort without the all-day prep.

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Image: Creamy garlic butter salmon fillets in a skillet, glistening with sauce and garnished with fresh herbs; served with lemon wedges on a rustic wooden table.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

– **Ready in just 30 minutes** – perfect for weeknight dinners!
– Uses budget-friendly ingredients with high-impact flavor
– The creamy garlic butter sauce is luxuriously rich, yet simple to make
– Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for beginners
– High in protein, full of omega-3s, and low in carbs

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Wondering how to make this salmon dish your new favorite dinner? Here’s what you’ll need, including smart swaps for dietary needs or what you have on hand.

Ingredient	Role	Possible Substitutions
Salmon Fillets	Main protein	Trout or cod fillets
Butter	Richness, flavor	Olive oil or vegan butter
Garlic	Bold flavor	Shallots or garlic powder
Heavy Cream	Creates creamy sauce	Coconut cream or half-and-half
Parmesan Cheese	Umami, thickens sauce	Grana Padano, nutritional yeast (for dairy-free)
Lemon Juice	Brightens flavors	White wine or apple cider vinegar
Fresh Parsley	Herby finish	Dill, tarragon, or chives

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Step-By-Step: How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

This recipe comes together in one skillet—less mess, more flavor! Here’s a quick breakdown before we dive into the details.

1. Season and sear the salmon.
2. Whip up a quick garlic butter sauce in the same pan.
3. Add cream and cheese for that luscious texture.
4. Return the salmon, simmer gently, and finish with herbs and lemon juice.

Perfect for meal prep or a spontaneous dinner with friends.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry for maximum sear and flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear in batches if your skillet is small so the fish browns, not steams.
• Watch the heat: Cook garlic on low so it doesn’t burn, turning bitter.
• Add cream off the heat: Prevents curdling and keeps sauce silky.
• Customize! Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

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What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

– **Buttery mashed potatoes** or creamy polenta
– **Steamed asparagus, broccolini, or maple-glazed carrots**
– **Crusty artisan bread** to mop up extra sauce
– **Lemon rice pilaf** or cauliflower puree for a low-carb option
– Pair with a light white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

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Easy Ingredient Swaps & Allergy-Friendly Variations

– **Dairy-free**: Use a good vegan butter, coconut cream (unsweetened), and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
– **Low-carb/Keto:** Skip potatoes—go for cauliflower rice, zoodles, or serve over sautéed greens.
– **Gluten-free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your cheese brand.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	435 kcal
Carbohydrates	3g
Protein	35g
Fat	31g
Fiber	0g

*Nutrition may vary by substitutions used.*

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Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

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Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each), skinless or skin-on
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add salmon fillets, skin-side down if skin-on. Sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked to your liking. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 45 seconds).
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in lemon juice and half the parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Return salmon fillets and any juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over salmon and simmer another minute to heat through.
7. Garnish with remaining parsley and extra lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, with heavy cream and Parmesan):

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
435 kcal	3g	31g	35g

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Bring Creamy Comfort to Your Table Tonight!

If you loved this creamy garlic butter salmon recipe, snap a photo and let me know how it turned out! Save this post to your Pinterest dinner board so you never lose it and share it with friends, family, or your favorite cooking group on WhatsApp. This is one weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

🍋 **Happy cooking!** Tag me if you try this, and don’t forget—good food is even better when shared.