I love a good salmon meal, especially when it’s quick and full of flavor. If you’re looking for easy weeknight meals, salmon is always a great choice. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic creamy salmon recipes that I think you’ll really enjoy. These recipes are perfect for dinner, offering delicious ways to prepare salmon.
Both dishes bring something unique to the table, from spicy Cajun notes to sweet roasted red peppers. You can easily make these for a simple family dinner or when you want something special without a lot of effort.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon Recipe for Dinner
- 2. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon for a Simple Dinner
Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon Recipe for Dinner
This creamy Cajun pepper salmon is a fantastic option for a speedy and flavorful dinner. It brings a nice kick with the Cajun spices, all balanced out by a rich, smooth sauce.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cajun Seasoning: For best results, use a good quality Cajun seasoning. It’s the main flavor here, so pick one you like.
- Heavy Cream: Don’t skip the heavy cream! It makes the sauce extra smooth and rich, creating that wonderful creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Cook it until it flakes easily with a fork, but is still moist in the middle.
What You Need for Cajun Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Creamy Cajun Salmon
Step 1: Prep Salmon and Veggies
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and rub them all over with Cajun seasoning. Dice your yellow onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook Salmon and Build Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they are lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the salmon and let it warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
📝 Final Note
This salmon is wonderful served with rice, pasta, or even a side of roasted vegetables to soak up all that creamy sauce. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon for a Simple Dinner
This recipe uses roasted red peppers to create a wonderfully sweet and smoky sauce for your salmon. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that comes together without much fuss, perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Red Pepper Salmon
- Jarred Roasted Red Peppers: Using jarred peppers saves a lot of time and gives a consistent, delicious flavor to your sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano add a lovely brightness and freshness at the end. Don’t skip them if you can!
- Blend Smooth: For a silky and smooth sauce, make sure to blend the roasted red pepper mixture really well until there are no chunks.
What You Need for Red Pepper Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/4 yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon
Step 1: Roast the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and flakes easily.
Step 2: Make the Red Pepper Sauce
While the salmon roasts, combine the drained roasted red peppers, roughly chopped onion, roughly chopped garlic, and vegetable broth in a blender. Blend until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Pour the pureed mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Carefully place the roasted salmon fillets into the warm red pepper sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the salmon. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving immediately.
📝 Final Note
This sauce is amazing with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of quinoa or couscous. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.