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Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Lemony Parmesan Cream Recipe

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3.8 from 2 reviews

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Lemony Parmesan Cream is a decadent and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon filets broiled to perfection and served in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh greens. The sauce is brightened with lemon juice and fresh herbs, creating a perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness. Ideal for an elegant yet easy-to-make weeknight dinner that impresses.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 salmon filets, skin on or off (your preference)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

Sauce

  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • Chili flakes, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup salsa verde
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season Salmon: Preheat your oven to the broil setting. Meanwhile, season the salmon filets generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Prepare an oven-safe skillet by adding 1 tablespoon of butter, fresh thyme leaves, and lightly smashed garlic cloves.
  2. Broil Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon in the skillet and broil for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the top begins to crisp and the salmon is just cooked through. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Once done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Place the skillet, now with the browned garlic and thyme, over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, thinly sliced shallots, and chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Using a fork, smash the garlic into a paste to incorporate into the sauce.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and salsa verde, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Add Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and the sauce is thickened.
  6. Combine Salmon and Sauce: Slide the broiled salmon filets back into the creamy sauce, spooning it generously over the top. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon to brighten the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, and green onions. Sprinkle this herb mixture on top of the salmon. Serve immediately, spooning the rich lemony parmesan cream sauce over each portion for a delightful finish.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to broil and cook the sauce without transferring between pans, which helps develop flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes quantity to your desired spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
  • You can substitute salsa verde with pesto or another herb sauce for a different flavor twist.
  • Salmon can be prepared with skin on or off depending on your preference, skin helps keep it moist during broiling.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly less rich sauce.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Broiling and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American