Pan Fried Salmon with Pesto Cream Cheese Sauce

There’s something magical about the first time you nail a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. For me, it was this Pan Fried Salmon with Pesto Cream Cheese Sauce. After a memorable dinner at a seaside restaurant in Seattle, I became obsessed with recreating that perfect combination of crispy-skinned salmon and velvety pesto cream sauce. Dozens of attempts later, I’m excited to share this foolproof version that rivals any restaurant dish – and the best part? It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish!

Salmon with Cream Sauce

Are you looking for a new way to prepare salmon? Salmon is such an excellent protein to prepare. It can be cooked quickly. I often buy it frozen at Costco. I keep it in my freezer and defrost it when I want a quick meal at home.

I love the individually frozen pieces of salmon at home. I defrost them by submerging them in a sink of warm water under a plate. This will generally defrost salmon in about 20 minutes. Then, it takes another 10 to 15 minutes to pan-sear, and you will have dinner in no time.

This recipe features a simple cream sauce made of cream cheese and pesto. This sauce is flavorful, quick, and easy to make. You can turn ordinary salmon into something special in no time. You and your family will love the taste of this dish.

You can try this pesto recipe to make your homemade pesto.

Why This Cream Cheese Sauce for Salmon Recipe Works

• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Keto-friendly and low-carb
• Restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients
• Crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh
• Rich, creamy sauce that elevates the dish

Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Salmon

• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on (The star protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a meaty texture)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Helps achieve crispy skin and prevents sticking)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Enhances flavor and helps draw out moisture for crispier skin)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (Adds subtle heat and depth)

For the Pesto Cream Sauce

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup half and half (Thins the sauce to desired consistency while maintaining richness)
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto (Provides herb-packed flavor, garlic notes, and beautiful color)

How to Make Salmon with Pesto Cream Cheese Sauce

1. Bring salmon to room temperature before cooking.
2. Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-low heat.
3. Season fish with salt and pepper
4. Place salmon skin side up in the skillet.
5. Cook until golden brown and flip over to the other side, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
   

   

6. Add half and half, pesto, and cream cheese in a small saucepan.
7. Stir and cook over low heat until the cream cheese sauce is heated and well-combined.
   

   

8. Spoon the pesto cream cheese sauce over the salmon.
9. If desired, garnish with fresh dill sprigs and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C).

Why isn’t my salmon skin getting crispy?

• Ensure the fish is completely dry before cooking
• Make sure the pan is hot enough
• Don’t move the fish around while cooking
• Use enough oil to coat the pan

Substitutions & Modifications

Dietary Modifications

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream
• Keto: The recipe is already keto-friendly!
• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free

Ingredient Substitutions

• Salmon: Arctic char or steelhead trout
• Half and half: Heavy cream or whole milk
• Store-bought pesto: Homemade pesto or sundried tomato pesto

Storage & Reheating

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Not recommended for the sauce; salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months

Reheating

• Oven Method (Recommended):
  1. Preheat to 275°F
  2. Place salmon in a baking dish with two tablespoons water
  3. Cover with foil
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes

Scaling the Recipe

For 2 Servings

• Halve all ingredients
• Keep cooking time the same

For 8 Servings

• Double all ingredients
• Cook salmon in batches
• Keep sauce warm in a double boiler

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Sautéed spinach with garlic
• Roasted asparagus
• Cauliflower rice
• Fresh green salad

Wine Pairings

• Chardonnay
• Pinot Grigio
• Light-bodied Pinot Noir

Popular Salmon and Seafood Recipes

• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Baked White Fish
• Batter Fried Fish
• Easy Baked Salmon
• Fried Salmon Patties

Favorite Low Carb Recipes

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Fried Lamb Chops
• Cajun Shrimp
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Poached Fish
• Sour Cream Pork Chops
• Turkey Legs

Check out more of my easy seafood recipes and healthy low carb recipes here on CopyKat!