Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender salmon fillets and creamy spinach sauce, creating a comforting, restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the goodness of fresh salmon and nutritious spinach in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. It’s a flavorful and elegant way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletsolive oilgarlic, mincedfresh spinachheavy creamparmesan cheeseground nutmeg, optionalsalt and pepper to tastelemon juice
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using), and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Drizzle a little lemon juice over the dish before serving for a touch of brightness.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 2.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add some sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Swap the salmon for other fish like tilapia or trout.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon properly before cooking.
Can I make this dish without cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce may be thinner.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be a great addition to this dish.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a soft cheese like cream cheese for a different texture.
Can I use pre-washed spinach?
Yes, pre-washed spinach works perfectly for this recipe and will save you time.
Conclusion
Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is a rich, savory dish that pairs succulent salmon with a creamy spinach sauce, making for a perfect meal that’s both elegant and simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish will soon become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
PrintEasy Creamy Salmon Florentine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and creamy salmon dish with spinach, garlic, and a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon some sauce over them. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour to the garlic before adding the cream.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.