The Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce Recipe

A salmon dish that whispers Mediterranean elegance on your dinner plate.

Culinary magic happens when pan-seared salmon meets a decadent Florentine sauce that sparkles with rich, velvety texture.

Fresh ingredients merge into a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate fish transforms into a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated techniques or endless prep work.

Home cooks can effortlessly craft this sophisticated yet approachable dinner that impresses even discerning taste buds.

Spinach and cream weave their enchantment around perfectly golden salmon, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

One bite will transport you to a charming Italian coastal kitchen, where simplicity meets sublime taste.

Try These Twists On Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Mediterranean Salmon: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives, adding a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile that brings vibrant Mediterranean coastal notes to the dish.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning, incorporate diced bell peppers into the sauce, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bold, fiery southwestern-style preparation.
• Herb-Infused Salmon: Blend fresh dill, chives, and tarragon into the cream sauce, creating a light, aromatic version that highlights delicate herbal undertones and freshness.
• Nordic-Style Salmon: Use dill-infused cream, add capers and a splash of white wine, garnish with fresh dill fronds, transforming the recipe into a Scandinavian-inspired seafood experience.

FAQs On Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy sear.

• How do I know if the salmon is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer – salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the Florentine sauce?

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create your own blend by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will give you a similar herb flavor profile for the sauce.

Why Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce Feels Fancy

• Savor Luxurious Flavor Combinations: This recipe delivers an elegant blend of crispy salmon with a velvety Florentine sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Embrace Quick Weeknight Gourmet: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious, nutritious meal without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.
• Enjoy Versatile Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from salmon, nutrients from spinach, and creamy richness from Parmesan and heavy cream, this recipe offers a balanced, satisfying meal that appeals to health-conscious food lovers.
• Master One-Pan Culinary Magic: By using the same skillet for searing salmon and creating the sauce, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, allowing you to create a sophisticated dinner with minimal kitchen mess.

What You’ll Need For Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Delicate fish with rich flavor, best when fresh and skin-on for crispy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the creamy sauce, prefer freshly grated for best taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth base for Florentine sauce.
• Butter: Provides rich foundation and helps build sauce's creamy texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic savory note to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbaceous complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy balance to rich sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Offers additional layer of garlic flavor for salmon.

• Spinach: Adds nutritious green element and traditional Florentine character.
• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh garnish with bright green color.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative garnish that adds citrusy visual and flavor accent.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing salmon, provides healthy fat and light flavor.

How To Make Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Salmon Fillets

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the seasoned fillets rest at room temperature for a few minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle the Salmon

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in olive oil and let it shimmer. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, creating a delightful sizzling sound. Cook until the bottom turns golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer cooked salmon to a warm plate.

Step 3: Create Luscious Spinach Sauce

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh lemon juice

Simmer the sauce until it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

• Lemon wedges
• Chopped fresh parsley

Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or herbed rice.

Tips For A Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Perfect Salmon Searing: Pat fillets completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful texture.
• Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the salmon beautifully.
• Spinach Selection: Choose fresh spinach for the brightest flavor and most vibrant color in your Florentine sauce, avoiding wilted or aged leaves.
• Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat for searing and reduce to medium when making the sauce to prevent burning and maintain optimal flavor development.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular Parmesan with a certified gluten-free version if needed, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for sensitive diets.

How To Store Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Refrigerate: Transfer salmon and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the components separate to maintain texture.
• Cool Down: Allow the dish to reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Avoid Multiple Reheats: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to preserve the salmon's delicate flavor and prevent potential bacterial growth.

What Tastes Great With Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy salmon dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines perfectly balance the rich, velvety sauce and cut through the salmon's natural fattiness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a delightful caramelized crunch. The vegetables' earthy flavors will harmonize beautifully with the creamy Florentine sauce and tender salmon.
• Match with Lemony Quinoa: Create a bright, nutritious side of lemon-herb quinoa to accompany the dish. The quinoa's light, fluffy texture and zesty notes will echo the lemon in the sauce while providing a protein-packed complement to the salmon.
• Elevate with Crisp Salad: Add a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to bring a peppery, tangy element that contrasts the creamy sauce. This will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, indulgent main course.

Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent pan-seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce brings Italian coastal elegance to your dinner table. Rich spinach and parmesan create a luxurious backdrop for perfectly crisp fish you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each / 170 grams each)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon by thoroughly dabbing the fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with aromatic garlic powder, complemented by precise salt and pepper seasoning.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature, pouring a thin layer of olive oil to create an ideal searing environment. Carefully position salmon fillets skin-side up, allowing them to develop a golden, crisp exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Gently rotate the salmon, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches desired internal temperature and exhibits a delicate, flaky texture. Transfer the salmon to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium, introducing butter to create a luxurious base for the Florentine sauce. Introduce finely minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for roughly 1-2 minutes.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and transform into a vibrant, tender green component of the sauce.
6. Stream heavy cream into the mixture, initiating a gentle simmer. Fold in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a splash of bright lemon juice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
7. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance its complex profile. Maintain a soft, velvety consistency.
8. Nestle the prepared salmon back into the skillet, carefully coating each fillet with the creamy Florentine sauce. Warm the fish through for an additional minute.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with delicate lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Pat salmon fillets completely dry to achieve a perfectly crispy sear and prevent steaming in the pan.
• Use a high-quality cast-iron or stainless steel skillet for the best golden-brown crust and even heat distribution.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper caramelization of the salmon.
• Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure more even cooking and a tender texture.
• Check salmon doneness by gently pressing the center – it should flake easily and have a slightly translucent pink center for optimal moisture.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, lower-fat version of the Florentine sauce.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.
• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be used – just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
• Balance the rich sauce by serving with a crisp, acidic side like a lemon-dressed salad or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg