Baked salmon with garlic cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes

Creamy Garlic Basil Salmon – Easy Weeknight Fish Dinner

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Created on October 16th, 2025 at 08:08 pm

Lush, creamy, and packed with bold flavor

Looking for a show-stopping salmon recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This Creamy Garlic Basil Salmon is the answer. Pan-seared to golden perfection, then finished in the oven with a velvety garlic butter sauce infused with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice—this dish delivers big, comforting flavors with very little effort. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or need something elegant for a festive family gathering, this baked salmon recipe is a total win. It’s packed with protein, rich in omega-3s, and naturally gluten-free. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for crisp fall evenings or a seasonal dinner celebration.

Creamy salmon with sun-dried tomatoes in skillet

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort food and elegant dinner fare. It’s flavorful without being fussy and feels indulgent while still fitting into a healthy meal plan. Here’s what makes it irresistible:
✔️ Creamy, garlicky, herbed sauce
✔️ Flaky oven-baked salmon
✔️ 30-minute recipe with simple ingredients
✔️ Great for romantic nights or family dinners
✔️ Low-carb & naturally gluten-free
✔️ Packed with protein and heart-healthy fats
It’s a go-to fish dinner that never fails to impress!


⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4


📝 Ingredients List

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large oven-safe skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high.
  4. Sear salmon skin-side up for 3–4 minutes until golden, then flip for 2 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add broth + cream, stirring gently.
  7. Stir in Parmesan, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce on top.
  9. Bake 8–10 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.
  10. Top with basil and serve immediately. 🍋🌿🐟

💡 Pro Tips

  • Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream + cheese.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach or mushrooms to bulk up the sauce.
  • Serving Ideas: Great with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or lemony rice.

🍽️ It’s Your Turn to Cook!

This Creamy Garlic Basil Salmon delivers restaurant-quality flavor with zero stress. With just one pan, bold ingredients, and 30 minutes, you’ll have a fish dinner that wows every time. The rich, buttery sauce—punched up with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and lemon—transforms salmon into something truly special. Whether it’s for a quiet fall evening or a festive family celebration, this dish is a keeper. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite go-to recipe for entertaining or indulgent weeknight meals.


📊 Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 plate48028g7g32g1g2g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

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