Thank you so much for being here—because you’re about to discover a dish that has become a personal go-to when I need something easy, luxurious, and totally unforgettable. This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is rich, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.
If you love flavor-packed, one-pan meals that bring the “wow” without all the effort, you’re going to adore this one. And if that sounds like your kind of cooking, subscribe and get more comforting recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
What Is Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon?
It’s everything the name promises and so much more. Think perfectly seared salmon fillets simmered in a buttery garlic cream sauce, with a touch of lemon and herbs for brightness. It’s deeply savory, ridiculously creamy, and wildly satisfying—all made in one skillet with ingredients you probably already have.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder – Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
- Fast and flavorful – Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Versatile – Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies.
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free – A feel-good indulgence!
What Does It Taste Like?
The salmon is melt-in-your-mouth tender, pan-seared for that perfect golden crust. The sauce? Rich, buttery, and loaded with garlicky goodness, balanced out by a squeeze of lemon and a touch of cream. It’s decadent without being too heavy—and every bite is worth savoring.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Heart-healthy fats from salmon and olive oil
- Meal-prep friendly – Reheats like a dream
- Elegant but easy – Dinner guests will be impressed
- Naturally satisfying with clean, wholesome ingredients
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Here’s everything you need to whip this up tonight:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or chopped fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Fish spatula or tongs
- Garlic press (optional)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Additions & Swaps
- Add spinach or baby kale for a creamy Florentine twist
- Swap cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra texture
- No salmon? Try shrimp or even chicken breast
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon (skin-side down first, if using) for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Start the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Stir in chicken broth, scraping up all those golden bits from the bottom of the pan (hello, flavor!). Add cream, parmesan, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
- Over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Alongside crisp steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
- With crusty bread or Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks to soak up all that sauce
- Paired with a simple arugula salad for a lighter touch
Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic – It makes all the difference in the sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Sear the salmon in batches if needed.
- Use a splatter screen to keep your stovetop clean when searing.
- Let the sauce rest for 1–2 minutes before serving—it thickens slightly as it sits.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
- Not freezer-friendly – Cream sauces can separate after freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can! The sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich but still delicious.
What kind of pan is best?
A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works great. Avoid cast iron unless well-seasoned—it may react with the lemon juice.
Wrap-Up: This Salmon Deserves a Spot on Repeat
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is the kind of dish that feels fancy without the fuss. Rich, flavorful, and easy to customize—it checks all the boxes for a winning weeknight dinner. And once you taste that sauce? You’ll want to pour it on everything.
Looking for more easy, rich, and satisfying dinners? Try these next:
- Creamy Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese – the perfect side dish for a salmon feast
- Garlic Chicken Lo Mein – for when you want to switch up your garlic game
- Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks – crispy, gooey, and perfect for dipping into leftover sauce
Let’s Make This a Community Dish!
Did you make this salmon recipe? I would love to see it! Leave a review below and share your dish on Pinterest at The Kitchen Joyy. Your beautiful plates bring these recipes to life and inspire others to get cooking!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
