Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for a Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Nothing says comfort like a rich, creamy garlic butter salmon that comes together in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re juggling busy weeknights or wanting to treat yourself to restaurant-quality flavor at home, this easy meal is your secret weapon. I remember the first time I made creamy garlic butter salmon on a rainy Tuesday—it turned an ordinary evening into something special, with melt-in-your-mouth salmon drenched in a luxurious sauce. Trust me, you don’t need to be a pro chef to pull this off!

This recipe is perfect for spring and summer when fresh salmon is plentiful, but it truly shines all year round. Think golden-seared salmon, crispy at the edges, nestled in a velvety sauce bursting with garlic, lemon, and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels gourmet, yet it’s totally doable even on your busiest nights.

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Image: golden pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in creamy garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served alongside lemon wedges on a rustic plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

• 30-Minute Meal: Quick weeknight dinners don’t get tastier or easier.
• Pantry Staples: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• Restaurant Quality: Impress friends and family without breaking a sweat!
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs—perfect for healthy eating.

This salmon is perfect for anyone wanting to bring fine-dining flavors to their home kitchen, without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients & Easy Swaps

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy garlic butter salmon—but don’t worry, there are plenty of ingredient options if you want to mix it up or accommodate dietary needs.

Ingredient	Purpose	Easy Substitutions
Salmon Fillets (fresh or thawed)	Main protein, rich flavor	Steelhead trout, cod, or chicken breast
Butter	Base of sauce, richness	Ghee, vegan butter
Heavy Cream	Makes sauce super creamy	Half & half, coconut cream
Garlic (fresh, minced)	Signature garlicky punch	Shallots, roasted garlic
Chicken Broth	Balances richness, adds flavor	Vegetable broth, white wine
Lemon Juice	Brightens & cuts through cream	White wine vinegar
Parmesan (grated)	Umami depth, thickens sauce	Nutritional yeast (for dairy-free)
Fresh Parsley	Herbaceous finish	Dill, basil, or omitted

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

Here’s how to bring this dreamy weeknight dinner to life. If you can sauté, you can make this!

1. Prep and Season Your Salmon

– Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
– Prep your garlic, squeeze a lemon, and grab your other ingredients—this goes fast!

2. Sear the Salmon

– Heat a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat.
– Add a bit of oil, then place salmon skin-side down. Let it sear for about 4 minutes (don’t move it—this helps get a golden crust).
– Flip the salmon and cook another 2–3 minutes until mostly opaque but still tender.
– Transfer salmon to a plate. (Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked—it’ll finish in the sauce.)

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

– In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and melt.
– Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown).
– Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
– Pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
– Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Combine & Finish

– Nestle salmon fillets back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over top.
– Simmer 2–3 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and sauce is glossy.
– Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon if desired.

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Serving Ideas & Customizations

This recipe is incredibly flexible—here’s how to make it fit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Low-Carb: Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower rice.
• Family-Style: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or baby kale to the sauce for a veggie boost.
• Grain Lovers: Try it over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce.
• Make It Dairy Free: Substitute coconut cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast.
• Lactose Sensitive? Use lactose-free cream and parmesan alternatives.

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Pro Tips for Foolproof Results

• Don’t Overcook Salmon: Pull it off the heat just as it turns opaque in the center.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh cloves have the best flavor.
• Sear in Batches: If you double the recipe, sear salmon in batches so you don’t crowd the pan.
• Deglaze the Pan: Scrape those browned bits—they add so much flavor to the sauce!
• Use a Large Skillet: You want all fillets to have contact with the pan.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
420	4g	32g	30g	1g

(Values may vary based on portions and substitutions.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Pin & Share This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon!

If you make this easy creamy garlic butter salmon, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, post it on Instagram or Pinterest, and tag me so I can cheer you on. Save this recipe to your weeknight dinner board, or text the link to your favorite cooking group—sharing great food makes it taste even better. 🍋🐟

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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 oz each, skin on or off)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more to serve)
• Optional: extra lemon wedges, baby spinach, or tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add salmon fillets skin-side down, and cook without moving for 4 minutes. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the same pan. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken.
5. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt or add more lemon juice if needed.
6. Return salmon to the pan, spooning sauce over the fillets. Simmer 2–3 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Nutrition per serving (approx.):

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
420	4g	32g	30g	1g

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Give this creamy garlic butter salmon a try tonight—you won’t believe how easy (and crave-worthy) it is! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and share it with friends, family, or your favorite dinner group. Happy cooking!