Why Make This Recipe
Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce is an easy and delicious dish that brings the elegance of a restaurant meal right to your kitchen. The rich creamy sauce paired with the perfectly seared salmon and fresh ingredients makes for a flavorful dinner that you and your family will love. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make, which makes it a great choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
How to Make Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
To serve, place a salmon fillet on each plate and spoon generous amounts of the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top. You can serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. It’s also delightful alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, so adding a splash of cream or water during reheating can help restore its consistency.
Tips to Make Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
- For best results, choose fresh salmon fillets with a bright color. Frozen salmon can work too, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have spinach, feel free to substitute it with kale or arugula.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms. Additionally, for a little extra zing, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure it is fully thawed before cooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce might be less rich.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of heavy cream by using low-fat milk or substituting some of it with vegetable broth. Additionally, increase the amount of vegetables in the dish.
Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
An elegant yet easy dish featuring perfectly seared salmon in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh salmon fillets. You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula. Adjust garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
