Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

When it comes to quick yet impressive dinners, this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon is a total game-changer. The salmon is perfectly pan-seared to crispy, golden-brown perfection, and then smothered in a rich, creamy roasted red pepper sauce that adds layers of flavor. It’s smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of savory—everything you want in a meal that feels gourmet but is oh-so-simple to make. This dish pairs beautifully with just about anything, from steamed veggies to a side of pasta, and will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Ready for a plate of pure deliciousness? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

• Flavor-Packed: The roasted red pepper sauce is the real star here—rich, smoky, and creamy, it complements the salmon beautifully without overpowering it.
• Quick & Easy: You don’t need a lot of time to get dinner on the table. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Hearty & Healthy: Salmon is loaded with omega-3s, and paired with a creamy sauce, it’s a nourishing yet indulgent meal.
• Versatile: You can serve this with anything—from a crisp salad to roasted potatoes or a side of rice. It works with whatever you have in your pantry.
• Elegant Yet Simple: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll feel like you’ve just created a five-star dish.

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Skin-on for extra crispy edges, but skinless will work just as well.
• Olive Oil: For searing the salmon to perfection.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce base.
• Roasted Red Peppers: The key to that smoky, sweet depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: To create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a rich, umami flavor in the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness to the rich sauce.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: To season the sauce with some classic Italian flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring everything is seasoned to perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the salmon is halfway cooked. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the roasted red peppers (you can use jarred or homemade) and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Next, pour in the heavy cream, add the Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and basil, and stir until everything is combined and the sauce starts to thicken. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it’s creamy and rich. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Combine the Salmon and Sauce

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon the creamy roasted red pepper sauce over the top, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

Serve the salmon fillets with a generous spoonful of the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories per serving: 380-400 calories
• Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 30%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

• With a Side of Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach for a fresh, light side.
• Over Pasta: This creamy sauce is perfect over pasta! Try it with some linguine or fettuccine for a satisfying meal.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling and healthy option.
• With a Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a lemony vinaigrette would be the perfect refreshing side dish.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Sauce: Add a dash of chili flakes for some heat or a spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Salmon: Both fresh and frozen salmon work well for this recipe. If using frozen, just be sure to thaw it before cooking.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make it dairy-free.
• Add More Veggies: You can add spinach, zucchini, or roasted tomatoes into the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

A1: Absolutely! Skinless fillets will work just as well, but you may miss out on the crispy texture the skin provides.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve, and add the salmon for a fresh finish.

Q4: Can I substitute the roasted red peppers?

A4: If you’re not a fan of roasted red peppers, you can substitute with jarred sun-dried tomatoes or fresh red bell peppers.

Q5: Can I use a different type of fish?

A5: Yes, you can use other firm fish like trout or cod, but salmon works particularly well due to its rich, fatty texture.

Q6: How can I make this spicier?

A6: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Q7: Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of salmon?

A7: Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts for the salmon. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding the sauce.

Q8: How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

A8: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?

A9: While the salmon itself can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the salmon and sauce separately. Reheat both gently when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q10: What can I serve this with for a low-carb option?

A10: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration with every bite. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and a rich, flavorful roasted red pepper sauce is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time. So grab your skillet, cook up some salmon, and dive into this creamy, savory goodness!

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