Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Rich, tender, and packed with flavor, this creamy garlic butter salmon is an elegant yet easy dish perfect for any night of the week. Flaky salmon fillets are simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes, creating a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the irresistible sauce.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 cup fresh spinach
6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for extra richness
Instructions
Season the Salmon Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Salmon In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Base In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and dried herbs, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Vegetables Stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to soften.
Return the Salmon Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, until the salmon is fully cooked and tender.
Finish and Serve Sprinkle with fresh parsley and, if desired, a little grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Over buttery mashed potatoes
With steamed rice or fluffy quinoa
Tossed with fettuccine or linguine
Alongside roasted vegetables or crusty artisan bread
Tips for the Best Creamy Salmon
Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor.
Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Enjoy this luxurious, creamy salmon dinner that’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests!
