This Creamy Salmon is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared and then coated in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Healthy: This recipe combines the richness of salmon with a creamy sauce and fresh vegetables, creating a delicious and healthy meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Salmon:
- Center-cut salmon: Ensures evenly sized fillets for consistent cooking.
- Old Bay seasoning: Adds a classic seafood flavor.
- Garlic salt: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for coating the salmon and for the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth in the sauce.
- Dry white wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, adds a salty and nutty flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Julienned, adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.
- Cornstarch: Optional, for thickening the sauce if needed.
- Water: Used to make a slurry with the cornstarch (if using).
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Creamy Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Cut the salmon fillet into 6 equal pieces. In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, garlic salt, and half of the olive oil. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the minced garlic and white wine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let it reduce by about 25%. Add the heavy whipping cream and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach leaves, and cook until the spinach is wilted. Remove the sauce from the heat.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side up, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely browned. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Pour the reserved cream sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can whisk in a slurry made with the cornstarch and water. Serve the salmon immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality salmon: The better the quality of your salmon, the better the flavor of the dish.
- Bring salmon to room temperature: Letting the salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Cook just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon

- Main Course: This Creamy Salmon is a delicious and satisfying main course on its own.
- With Sides: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
- Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it for a quick and healthy lunch or a casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 3-4 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
While this recipe is specifically designed for salmon, you can experiment with other types of fish, such as cod or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the salmon fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce while cooking.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Creamy Salmon that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Salmon recipe is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared and then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with white wine, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds center-cut salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 6 equal pieces
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves
Optional Slurry:
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Season Salmon: In a small bowl, combine Old Bay seasoning, garlic salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
- Reduce Wine: In a saucepan, combine minced garlic and white wine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and reduce by about 25%.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add heavy cream to the saucepan and bring back to a boil. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.
- Cook Salmon: Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Combine and Finish: Pour the cream sauce over the cooked salmon fillets in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook until the sauce thickens to your liking. (Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce.)
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Salmon: Use center-cut salmon for even cooking. Thaw completely before cooking.
- Wine: Choose a dry white wine or substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.
- Thickening: The cornstarch slurry is optional for thickening the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg