The Silky Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce Recipe You’ll Love

A culinary adventure where delicate salmon meets a luxurious creamy spinach sauce that dances on your palate.

This elegant dish promises an explosion of flavors without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet experiences when you combine these simple ingredients.

The silky sauce embraces each tender salmon fillet, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Rich, yet light, the recipe brings restaurant-quality meals directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Smooth spinach and succulent fish come together in a quick, impressive meal that will delight and surprise you.

Let this recipe transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary moment.

Why Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce Is A Go-To Dinner

• Create Crispy Salmon Perfection: Achieve beautifully golden, crispy salmon skin that provides a delightful crunch and rich flavor in every bite.
• Whip Up a Luxurious Creamy Spinach Sauce: Develop a velvety, decadent sauce that transforms simple salmon into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Enjoy a convenient cooking method that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor by using the same pan for salmon and sauce, creating delicious layered tastes throughout the dish.
• Fast Gourmet Dinner: Prepare an impressive meal in just 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick elegant dinners that look and taste sophisticated.

What You’ll Use For Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that forms the main protein of the dish. Wild-caught or farm-raised options work well.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the salmon. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best taste.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Olive oil helps create a crispy salmon skin, while butter adds richness to the sauce. Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth to the creamy sauce. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most robust flavor.

• Chopped Spinach: Adds nutrition and vibrant color to the creamy sauce. Fresh spinach provides the best texture and flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with a rich, tangy flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly.

• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that complements the creamy sauce. Ground nutmeg works best.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Adds brightness and freshness to the final dish. Flat-leaf parsley has a more robust flavor.

How To Cook Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Fillets

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Sear Salmon to Perfection

Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to cook and develop a crispy golden exterior. Cook until edges turn opaque and skin becomes wonderfully crunchy. Flip the fillets and continue cooking until fish is fully done and flakes easily.

Step 3: Create Luscious Spinach Sauce

• Spinach wilts and softens
• Garlic becomes fragrant

Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until sauce reaches a delightful creamy consistency.

Step 4: Marry Salmon and Sauce

Gently nestle salmon back into the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the rich, green sauce. Warm everything together briefly. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve alongside bright lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Top Tips For Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Perfect Salmon Texture: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Optimal Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to create a beautiful sear on the salmon while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch the salmon closely and cook just until the edges turn opaque to maintain a moist, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer the creamy spinach sauce gently to help it thicken naturally without becoming too heavy or separated.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Skip the Parmesan and use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still delivers incredible flavor.

How To Store Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce Smartly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon and creamy spinach sauce in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 23 days.
• Cool Down: Let the salmon and sauce completely cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Best Consumed: Enjoy reheated salmon within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and quality. Discard if the fish develops an off smell or appears discolored.

Great Pairings With Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, creamy salmon dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the sauce's richness and enhance the fish's delicate flavor.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges of the vegetables will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft salmon and creamy sauce.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will balance the dish's creaminess and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of warm, crusty sourdough or French bread. Its crispy exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the delicious spinach sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

Different Ways To Try Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

• Herb-Crusted Salmon Switch: Coat salmon with a blend of fresh dill, thyme, and parsley before cooking. The herbs add a bright, aromatic layer that enhances the fish's natural flavors.
• Mediterranean Salmon Remix: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the spinach sauce. This version brings a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired profile to the dish.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon Edition: Dust salmon with Cajun seasoning before cooking and add red pepper flakes to the creamy spinach sauce. This variation introduces a bold, zesty kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Smoky Salmon Fusion: Incorporate smoked paprika into the salmon seasoning and mix some crumbled bacon into the spinach sauce. The smoky notes create a rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.

All You Want To Know About Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, preferably wild-caught or Atlantic salmon with firm, bright pink flesh. Avoid frozen salmon if possible, as fresh fish provides better texture and flavor.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but drain and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach before adding to the sauce. Fresh spinach will give a brighter, more vibrant taste and texture to the dish.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. The spinach adds vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious and balanced meal that supports heart and brain health.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago. If needed, nutritional yeast can work as a dairy-free alternative to provide a similar savory, cheesy flavor to the sauce.

Salmon With Creamy Spinach Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce invites diners into a culinary journey of Mediterranean-inspired elegance. Fresh Atlantic salmon nestles under silky spinach cream, promising rich flavors and delightful textures you’ll savor with each forkful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon by gently patting the fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp, with edges becoming opaque.
3. Carefully flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the fish is cooked through but remains moist. Transfer the fillets to a separate plate and let them rest.
4. Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and melt butter, creating a rich base for the sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
5. Introduce chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
7. Adjust the sauce’s seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing it to thicken slightly while maintaining a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Warm gently for 1-2 minutes to reunite the flavors.
9. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve alongside bright lemon wedges for a tangy complement.

Notes

• Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heat distribution and preventing the delicate fish from sticking.
• Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness; thinner fillets require less time to prevent overcooking and maintain a tender, flaky texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
• Add red pepper flakes or lemon zest to the spinach sauce for an extra flavor boost that complements the rich salmon.
• Gluten-free option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar savory profile that accommodates dietary restrictions.
• Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be a quick alternative – just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg