If you’re craving something fresh, hearty, and restaurant-quality without leaving your kitchen, this Salmon in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is your golden ticket. Tender, seared salmon chunks coated in a velvety garlic herb cream sauce, served alongside steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice – this dish brings flavor, texture, and comfort to your table in under an hour.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy summer Sunday, this recipe has become a go-to for American families who want something easy, nutritious, and loaded with flavor. What makes it stand out? The balance of richness from the sauce, brightness from the broccoli, and the flaky, buttery salmon that melts in your mouth. You can even customize the spice level or switch the herbs for your favorites.
Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a group, this creamy salmon dinner is guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ One-pan wonder – fewer dishes!
- ✅ Perfect for summer – light yet satisfying
- ✅ Packed with protein and nutrients
- ✅ Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- ✅ Can be made dairy-free or low-carb with easy swaps
Quick Facts
- Preparation Time: PT15M
- Cooking Time: PT25M
- Total Time: PT40M
- Type: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: ~480 per serving (estimate)
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this salmon in creamy garlic herb sauce to life:
Main Ingredients:
- ✔ 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless, cut into chunks
- ✔ 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ✔ 1 tablespoon butter
- ✔ 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ✔ 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- ✔ 1 cup heavy cream
- ✔ ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ✔ 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ✔ ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ✔ Salt to taste
- ✔ Juice of ½ lemon (optional for brightness)
- ✔ Cooked jasmine or basmati rice (for serving)
Optional Garnishes:
- ✔ Fresh parsley, chopped
- ✔ Lemon wedges
- ✔ Red chili flakes (if you like heat)
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
- Cut your salmon into medium-sized chunks (about 2 inches each).
- Pat dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon pieces in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and almost cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – don’t let it brown).
4. Build the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried parsley, basil, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add Broccoli
- Gently stir in the steamed broccoli and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice if using for an extra burst of freshness.
6. Return the Salmon
- Gently add the seared salmon back into the pan.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes more, spooning the sauce over the top to coat the salmon fully.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the salmon in creamy garlic herb sauce over warm jasmine rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.
Conclusion: Creamy, Dreamy, and Oh-So-Good
This Salmon in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce recipe is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or fancy techniques to create a summer meal that wows. The combination of flaky fish, garlicky cream sauce, and crisp-tender broccoli checks all the boxes for flavor and nutrition.
You can easily adjust the creaminess, spice level, or veggies to fit your vibe. Want a low-carb version? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Dairy-sensitive? Coconut cream works beautifully here too.
Give this dish a try, and don’t forget to tag your creations or comment below – we’d love to see how you made it yours!
💬 Share this with friends, and if you loved this, check out our other easy summer dinner ideas!
FAQs About Salmon in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
How to make Salmon in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce?
Start by searing salmon chunks, then prepare a quick sauce using cream, garlic, herbs, and broth. Simmer everything together with broccoli and serve over rice. Full steps are in the instructions above!
Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?
Yes! You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version or a mix of milk and cream cheese if you’re cutting calories.
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Fresh Atlantic salmon works great, but wild-caught sockeye or coho adds a stronger flavor if that’s your thing. Frozen salmon can also be used – just thaw and pat dry first.
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Definitely. Try asparagus, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking time based on the veggie.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store the cooked salmon and sauce separately from the rice. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
Wrapping It Up: A Weeknight Winner with Summer Vibes
This Salmon in Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce recipe isn’t just dinner – it’s a little bite of comfort on a busy summer evening. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, impress your dinner date, or just want something new for the family, this dish has got your back.
With fresh, real ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a meal you’ll make again and again.
🧡 Give it a try tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
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