Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Lemony Parmesan Cream Sauce
Garlic butter baked salmon in a creamy parmesansauce infused with lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. A luxurious,flavorful dish perfect for a special dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets skin on or off, your preference
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic lightly smashed
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- Pinch of chili flakes optional
For the Lemony Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 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
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Gently coat a baking dish with oil, ensuring it's spacious enough to accommodate the salmon fillets.
Sear the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using), and sear for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is lightly browned.
Remove the salmon and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the thyme, smashed garlic cloves, sliced shallot, and a pinch of chili flakes.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots are softened.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the salsa verde, grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Bake the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Use a spoon to drizzle additional sauce over each fillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the salmon with fresh dill and chopped green onions.
Serve the salmon fillets with the creamy sauce spooned over the top, along with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Keyword garlic butter salmon