A rich and flavorful salmon dish cooked in a creamy garlic butter spinach sauce, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich & Creamy: A luscious garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and spinach enhances the salmon beautifully.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Versatile & Elegant: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture.
- Spicier Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Different Protein: Swap salmon for shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even searing.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the flesh should flake easily with a fork.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then prepare the sauce separately.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works too—just thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the sauce ahead and sear the salmon fresh before serving.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, trout, cod, or tilapia are great substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it keto-friendly.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon is a luxurious yet simple dish that’s bursting with rich flavors. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this creamy, garlicky salmon will impress every time. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal in just 25 minutes!
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Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon—seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter spinach sauce. A quick, elegant, and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return salmon to skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add mushrooms for more texture and depth.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
