Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish combining succulent salmon fillets seared to perfection with a rich, creamy sauce made from garlic, mushrooms, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. The flavors meld beautifully to create an elegant yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Vegetables & Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on both sides to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely.
- Sear the salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the hot skillet, skin side down if applicable, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce base: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, melting it gently to capture all the flavors left behind.
- Sauté garlic and mushrooms: Add the minced garlic and sliced baby Bella mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and aromatic.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted, approximately 2 minutes, incorporating their freshness into the dish.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and to blend flavors well.
- Incorporate seasoning and cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, achieving a creamy consistency.
- Return salmon to skillet: Place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and let them warm through for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add a bright, herbal note that complements the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is not overcooked to maintain its tender, flaky texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor impact in the sauce.
- If you prefer, use skinless salmon fillets to simplify cooking and serving.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
