If you are craving something that blends the richness of cream with the fresh, vibrant flavors of spinach and salmon, you are going to fall in love with this Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender salmon fillets nestled in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with melted Parmesan and bright lemon juice, all coming together in a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests over the weekend, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite and is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a flavor-packed, creamy dish. From the fresh spinach’s vibrant green color and slightly earthy taste to the rich texture of heavy cream and the sharp umami of Parmesan cheese, each element brings depth and freshness.
- Salmon fillets (4, 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm salmon for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): Adds vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet earthiness that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The foundation of the luscious sauce, delivering richness and silkiness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch to wake up the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, freshly grated): Melts into the cream sauce bringing a tangy, nutty flavor.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Provides a bright, fresh acidity that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for cooking the salmon to a perfect golden crust.
How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Salmon
Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil to coat the base. This creates a perfect environment for cooking the salmon evenly while preventing sticking. Season your salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and crisp. This step gives the salmon both texture and flavor depth.
Step 2: Flip the Salmon and Add Garlic
Carefully turn the salmon fillets to the other side to cook through. Immediately add your minced garlic to the skillet, letting it sauté for about 30 seconds. Watch closely as it releases its aroma and lightly browns, infusing the oil and salmon with a warm, fragrant essence.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Next, toss the fresh spinach into the skillet with the salmon and garlic. Stir gently and cook until the spinach wilts down, transforming from vibrant leaves to tender greens that mingle beautifully with the creamy sauce later on.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and lemon juice directly into the pan. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the salmon for maximum flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and the lemon juice to add a fresh tang that cuts through the richness.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season
Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step enriches the texture and brings a subtle sharpness that elevates the dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed to balance all elements flawlessly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe is now ready to be served! Pile it high over pasta, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that feels special but comes together in under half an hour.
How to Serve Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the dish further, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or dill over each serving. A twist of lemon zest adds a refreshing aroma and a pop of color, making the presentation irresistible.
Side Dishes
Complement this creamy salmon dish with simple, lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Alternatively, roasted baby potatoes or a crisp side salad add texture and balance to round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the salmon and creamy spinach sauce in shallow bowls over a nest of angel hair pasta. For casual dining, plate it with garlic toasted bread on the side to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon and sauce together to maintain moisture, but for the best texture, reheat gently.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the salmon if you plan to freeze this dish. Cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing and reheating, so freezing in small portions works best for retaining taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s original creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the salmon tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that might thin the sauce.
What type of salmon is best for this dish?
Wild-caught salmon fillets with firm flesh and skin on work wonderfully, as they hold together while cooking and add a pleasant texture contrast.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a creamy cashew sauce. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile but still provide a rich texture.
How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time for guests?
Absolutely! You can prep everything except adding cream and Parmesan ahead, then quickly finish cooking the sauce and salmon right before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited to try this Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe as I felt sharing it with you. It’s a dish that brings together luxury and comfort effortlessly, making any meal feel special. Once you taste that rich, garlicky cream sauce paired with fresh spinach and perfectly cooked salmon, it might just become a staple in your kitchen, too.
Print
Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Salmon Florentine recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets nestled in a luscious sauce of sautéed spinach, garlic, heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil to prepare for cooking the salmon.
- Cook the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 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. Then add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring well to combine with the spinach and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets and spoon the creamy Florentine sauce over them. This dish is delicious served over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon skin gets crispy by not moving the fillets too early during cooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
- For a low-sodium option, reduce the added salt and use low-sodium Parmesan cheese.
