This Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ dish to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, this one pan dinner is a lifesaver after a busy day, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Salmon Fillets
- Olive Oil
- Heavy Cream
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Fresh Spinach
- Garlic
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Basil (for garnish)
How to Make Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
Cook the Salmon : Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season both sides of the salmon fillets with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Place the fillets in the hot skillet and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily when tested with a fork. Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic : In the same skillet, keep that delicious flavored oil at medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute until fragrant, oh my goodness, the aroma is divine!
Make the Cream Sauce : Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. It’s such a relaxing sound, isn’t it? Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach : Time for the sun-dried tomatoes! Stir those in along with the fresh spinach, letting it cook until the spinach wilts down. It’s all about that vibrant color contrast!
Combine with Salmon : Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon that gorgeous creamy sauce over the top, and let it all get cozy together for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to warm everything through nicely.
Serve and Enjoy : Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and watch everyone dig in with delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
You know, this is my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet satisfying after a long day. It screams comfort food, and I’m honestly I’m a real sucker for anything creamy! And the best part is, it’s highly customizable. You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it’ll still taste incredible. I just made this last week with some leftover veggies, and guess what? My picky 8-year-old actually asked for seconds!
If you loved this Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce, be sure to check out my Texas Roadhouse Salmon, my Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake, or my Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes! Your dinner options never looked so good!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, you’ll have a gourmet dinner on the table faster than you can order takeout. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, trust me!
One-Pan Wonder
With minimal cleanup required, you only need one pan to make this delightful dish. That means less scrubbing for you and more time to relax with your family.
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor, from the rich creaminess to the savory salmon. Everyone will feel satisfied with this comforting meal.
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Whether it’s different greens, other proteins, or even different cheeses, this recipe is adaptable to your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser
You know it’s going to be a hit! The combination of creamy sauce and flavorful salmon appeals to every palate. I mean, who could resist that?
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Pan Seared Salmon
This decadent dish is perfect on its own, but I like to serve it over some fluffy rice or pasta to soak up that creamy sauce. Pair it up with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, if they last that long! Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up!
Freezer Friendly?
I wouldn’t really recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce may separate and change texture when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh!
And there you have it, my friend! This Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce is not only quick and easy to throw together during a busy weeknight but also has that comforting, indulgent flavor that everyone adores. Give it a whirl and let me know how it turns out!
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Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and warm for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh basil if desired.