Creamy Salmon and Spinach (Salmon Florentine)

Salmon and spinach come together in a rich, creamy garlic sauce for an elegant dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes. Seared salmon is nestled into a velvety parmesan spinach sauce, a dish also known as salmon Florentine, making it feel restaurant-fancy while staying weeknight easy.

This salmon and spinach recipe uses simple ingredients and one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Below you will find the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and easy variations like a cream cheese or stuffed version.

What Is Creamy Spinach Salmon?

Creamy spinach salmon is seared salmon served in a garlic parmesan cream sauce loaded with wilted spinach. It is often called salmon Florentine, since Florentine dishes are made with spinach and a creamy sauce. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon, and it is naturally low in carbs and packed with nutrients. It is one of the easiest ways to turn salmon and spinach into a complete, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One skillet, 30 minutes. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
• Rich and creamy. A garlic parmesan sauce with tender spinach.
• Healthy and low carb. Full of protein, omega-3s, and greens.
• Easy to adapt. Make it Florentine, stuffed, or with cream cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon fillets. Fresh, patted dry for a good sear.
• Fresh spinach. Wilts right into the sauce.
• Garlic and butter. The savory base of the sauce.
• Heavy cream and parmesan. For a rich, velvety sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes. Optional, for a Tuscan-style twist.
• Lemon and Italian seasoning. Brightness and warm flavor.

How to Make Salmon and Spinach

1. Season the salmon and sear in olive oil for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it reaches 145 degrees F and flakes. Remove and set aside. Check it against the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.
2. Melt butter in the same pan and saute the garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until the spinach wilts.
5. Return the salmon, spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top, finish with lemon, and serve.

Tips for the Creamiest Sauce

• Pat the salmon dry so it sears instead of steaming.
• Do not boil the cream. A gentle simmer keeps the sauce silky.
• Add the spinach at the end so it stays bright green.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melt.

Variations to Try

• Salmon Florentine. The classic creamy spinach salmon, served over pasta.
• Cream cheese. Swap in cream cheese for an extra rich, tangy sauce.
• Stuffed. Fill the salmon with a spinach and cheese mixture.
• Tuscan. Add extra sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper.

What to Serve and Storage

Serve this creamy salmon over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, with crusty bread on the side. This creamy salmon and spinach also makes wonderful leftovers, since the flavors deepen overnight. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently so the salmon stays tender. For more salmon dinners, try our salmon and shrimp, salmon stew, or salmon poke.

Salmon and Spinach Recipe

Creamy Spinach Salmon

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
• 4 cup fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes optional
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ lemon juiced

Method

 

1. Season the salmon and sear in the olive oil for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it reaches 145 degrees F and flakes. Remove and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan and saute the garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until the spinach wilts into the sauce.
5. Return the salmon, spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top, finish with lemon, and serve.

Notes

This creamy spinach salmon is also known as salmon Florentine. Cook the salmon to 145 degrees F, and serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to catch the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions