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Creamy garlic butter salmon fillets in a cast iron pan covered in Parmesan cream sauce and topped with fresh parsley

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, ready in just 20 minutes with one pan.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 5 to 8 oz. each
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc recommended
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth bouillon cube dissolved in water works well
  • 1 cup heavy cream half and half can be substituted on low heat
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best results
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Basting spoon

Method
 

  1. Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and pan-fry the salmon until deep golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Drain most of the excess oil, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pan.
  3. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Tilt the pan toward you and baste the salmon repeatedly with the hot butter for about 30 seconds. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Saute the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant and just golden at the edges. Do not allow it to brown.
  5. Optional: Add the white wine and simmer for about 2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan and stir steadily until the cheese fully melts and the sauce turns smooth and glossy. If the sauce looks like it is separating, lower the heat immediately and stir continuously. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce generously over the fillets. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes until the salmon is warmed through. Do not overcook.
  8. Plate the salmon, spoon extra sauce on top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, white rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the cream sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. For best texture when meal prepping, store the sauce and salmon separately.
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