This Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo is a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are nestled in a luxurious, garlicky Alfredo sauce made with Parmesan, cream, and fresh spinach. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of tender, flaky salmon, buttery richness, and creamy, garlicky perfection. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that feels indulgent enough for date nights but simple enough for weeknight dinners. The garlic butter enhances the salmon’s natural flavor, while the creamy spinach sauce ties everything together for a complete meal that tastes as good as it looks.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo
You’ll love this recipe because it combines two timeless favorites — garlic butter salmon and creamy Alfredo pasta — into one irresistible dish. The flavors are perfectly balanced: savory garlic, nutty Parmesan, rich cream, and tender salmon all complement one another beautifully. It’s a one-pan meal that looks fancy but comes together quickly with simple ingredients. You can pair it with pasta, rice, or enjoy it low-carb with the creamy spinach alone. Plus, the sauce is so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love creamy, garlicky, and protein-packed meals that feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy, this salmon Alfredo will become a new favorite. It’s ideal for when you want something comforting yet elegant without spending hours in the kitchen. The salmon is pan-seared until golden and crisp on the outside but tender and flaky inside, while the creamy spinach Alfredo adds a rich, velvety texture that takes the dish to another level. It’s a wholesome, satisfying, and downright luxurious meal you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons butter (divided), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1½ cups heavy cream, ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth, ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups baby spinach (fresh), ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper to taste, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2 – Sear the Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with broth, scraping up any browned bits left from the salmon — these add rich, savory depth to the sauce.
Step 4 – Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then add grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes thick and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5 – Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 6 – Combine and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over the top. Simmer for another minute so the flavors meld together. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled over each piece, garnished with fresh parsley and more Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon Alfredo
Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Pat the fillets dry before searing to get that crisp, golden crust. Don’t overcook the salmon — remove it once it flakes easily with a fork. Sauté the garlic briefly to avoid bitterness. Grate Parmesan fresh for a silky sauce. Add the cream slowly and stir constantly for smoothness. Deglaze the pan properly to capture all the flavor. Use baby spinach for tender texture and easy wilting. Add lemon juice at the end to cut through the richness. Serve immediately for the best consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
Shrimp Alfredo: Swap salmon for shrimp for a seafood twist.
Chicken Alfredo: Use seared chicken breasts or thighs instead of salmon.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the salmon and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Cheese Swap: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Skip salmon and add sautéed mushrooms or broccoli.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Extra Greens: Stir in kale or arugula along with spinach.
Lemon Lover’s Twist: Add lemon zest for brightness.
Pasta Combo: Toss the sauce with fettuccine or linguine for a full Alfredo meal.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Salmon Alfredo
Serve this dish with fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle to soak up the sauce. For a lighter side, try steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or garlic green beans. It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or cauliflower rice. A crisp green salad or garlic bread completes the meal perfectly. For drinks, serve chilled white wine or sparkling lemon water for a refreshing balance.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Place cooled salmon and sauce in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes, prepare it and reheat gently before serving with salmon.
Can I use milk instead of cream? Use whole milk and an extra tablespoon of Parmesan for a lighter version.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing? Absolutely — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Can I use spinach from frozen? Yes, thaw and drain well before adding.
Can I use different cheese? Parmesan or Asiago both work well for this recipe.
Can I make it spicy? Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly.
Can I use another fish? Cod, trout, or halibut all pair beautifully with Alfredo sauce.
How long does it last? Up to 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.