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Creamy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon Fillets

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Lemon slices
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh dill
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone brush
  • Aluminum foil
  • Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels.

Brush both sides with olive oil.

Season evenly with:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning

Drizzle lemon juice over the fillets.

Arrange the salmon skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Cream Sauce

Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

Whisk in the heavy cream.

Add Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking until smooth.

Stir in:

  • Dijon mustard
  • Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh dill
  • Thyme

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour the creamy garlic herb sauce evenly around and partially over the salmon fillets.

Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over the top if desired.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.

The fish is done when:

  • It flakes easily with a fork.
  • The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender.

Step 6: Rest

Remove the baking dish from the oven.

Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, Parmesan, and lemon slices.

Serve immediately.

Chef’s Tips

  • Choose fresh salmon with bright color and firm texture.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Don’t overcook the salmon, as it can become dry.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
  • For extra richness, add one tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Spinach Garlic Salmon

Add two cups of fresh spinach to the cream sauce before baking.

Mushroom Cream Salmon

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream.

Spicy Garlic Herb Salmon

Mix ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a gentle kick.

Lemon Herb Version

Increase the lemon juice and add fresh lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Herb Baked Salmon

This salmon pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Buttered noodles
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Grilled zucchini
  • Green beans
  • Caesar salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Creamy mashed cauliflower

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked salmon without the cream sauce for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave on 50% power in short intervals until warmed through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Calcium: 220 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg
  • Potassium: 820 mg
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Approximately 2,000 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used.

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