If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe. It brings together perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with vibrant spinach and a zesty hint of lemon. The combination is comforting yet sophisticated, balancing rich textures with bright flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe hits all the right notes to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures—from the flaky salmon to the silky sauce and tender greens.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): Fresh, high-quality salmon is key for tender flesh and rich flavor.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Adds beautiful color and a slight earthiness that complements the cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature silky, velvety base of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its aromatic foundation and depth.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a nutty, savory richness.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the cream with a zingy, refreshing contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For perfectly crisping the salmon and sautéing the garlic and spinach.
How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Salmon
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding olive oil. This will create the perfect non-stick surface and help achieve a gorgeous golden crust. Season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the hot skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the skin crispy and the fish partially cooked before flipping.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Wilt Spinach
Flip the salmon carefully to avoid breaking the fillets. Immediately add the minced garlic around the salmon, letting it sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step unlocks bold, savory flavor. Then add the fresh spinach, stirring it gently into the pan. The greens will quickly wilt down, adding freshness and a lovely textural contrast next to the salmon.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to blend everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the cream thickens slightly and the lemon brightness infuses the sauce. This simmer step transforms simple ingredients into silky comfort in a pan.
Step 4: Finish With Parmesan and Seasoning
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding luscious body and a hint of nuttiness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should coat the salmon and spinach beautifully, creating a cohesive, dreamy dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to plate up. Serve the Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe over your favorite pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bed of fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to brighten the dish’s presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill not only adds a lovely green burst but also lifts the richness with fresh herbal notes. Finishing with a few lemon wedges allows diners to add extra citrus zing as they please.
Side Dishes
To round out this luscious main, consider sides that complement without overpowering. Steamed asparagus, garlic roasted potatoes, or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette all work wonderfully. These sides add freshness and texture to harmonize with the creamy salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful dinner, serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach with the creamy sauce spooned generously over top. Alternatively, plate it alongside a swirl of creamy risotto or nestle it over herb-infused polenta. Presenting individual portions on warm plates with a drizzle of extra lemon juice adds elegance and invites excitement at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. To preserve the best texture, store the salmon separate from any pasta or rice if possible, then combine when reheating.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon fillets and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Spinach may lose a bit of texture after thawing, so consider adding fresh sautéed greens when reheating for a fresher bite.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid overcooking the salmon. Adding a splash of cream or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to ensure the salmon sears nicely and doesn’t steam. This step helps you get that perfect crispy skin every time.
Is it possible to lighten this Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a small sprinkle of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it up without adding more fat.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the cream sauce separately and refrigerate it, but gently reheat and stir in Parmesan just before serving for the best texture. Combining it with freshly cooked salmon and spinach keeps the dish vibrant.
What type of spinach works best?
Fresh baby spinach is ideal because it wilts quickly and has a tender texture. Avoid pre-washed bagged spinach with excess moisture, as this can dilute the creamy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are fantastic additions that pair well with the creamy, garlicky flavors. Add them during the spinach wilting step for better integration.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly to delight your senses. I encourage you to try it soon, whether to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Once you taste the harmony of crispy salmon, luscious cream, and fresh spinach, you’ll understand why this dish quickly becomes a beloved favorite.
Print
Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Salmon Florentine is a delicious and hearty dish combining tender salmon fillets with fresh spinach in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, this recipe marries the flavors of Parmesan cheese, lemon, and garlic with juicy salmon cooked to perfection in a skillet.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables and Dairy
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, preparing it for cooking the salmon.
- Cook salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Flip the salmon fillets carefully. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, combining the flavors with the salmon.
- Create cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon florentine over pasta or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure salmon fillets are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and melts better than pre-grated.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
- Add freshly chopped parsley or basil as a garnish for extra freshness and color.
