🧄 Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon baked in a rich, velvety garlic butter cream sauce — this Creamy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is the kind of elegant, easy dinner that wins every time. Made in one pan, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for date night.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)

  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Juice of ½ lemon (plus slices for garnish)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach or chopped kale

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👩🏻‍🍳 Directions

  1. Preheat & Prep
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear the Salmon
    In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear salmon 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

  4. Add Greens & Bake
    Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, spooning sauce over each piece. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 8–10 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

  5. Serve & Shine
    Garnish with chopped parsley and extra lemon slices. Spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over each fillet for maximum flavor.

❤️ Sunday Tip

For the richest flavor, use wild-caught salmon and freshly grated Parmesan. Pair this dish with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes — and don’t forget extra bread for mopping up that dreamy sauce!