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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a luxurious yet easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are seared to perfection, then simmered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, packed with flavor and nutrients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan simplicity: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes to wash.
- Rich and creamy flavor: A silky garlic butter sauce that pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Nutritious ingredients: Spinach adds vitamins, while salmon provides healthy omega-3 fats.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile serving options: Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender and browned, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spinach
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and broth, then add the remaining butter and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add lemon juice for a hint of brightness and flavor balance.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the seared salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the salmon to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill before serving. Serve hot with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Salmon
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach provides better flavor and texture than frozen.
- Add extra vegetables: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added for more variety.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Serving Suggestions
- Over pasta like linguine or fettuccine for a comforting meal.
- With steamed jasmine rice or wild rice for a lighter option.
- Alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
- With a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette for a balanced dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze cooked salmon separately for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of salmon, mushrooms, and spinach creates a balance of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and elegant. The creamy garlic butter sauce ties everything together, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or just treating yourself to something special at home.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a versatile, delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With its rich sauce and perfectly cooked salmon, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the great things about this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste or dietary preferences. By adding a few different ingredients or making small adjustments, you can transform this dish into something completely new each time you make it.
- Add extra vegetables: Include zucchini, broccoli florets, asparagus tips, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon garlic twist: Use extra lemon juice and zest to make the sauce even brighter and more citrus-forward.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce and add a rich, cheesy depth.
- Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or traditional rice.
- Pescatarian-friendly option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a fully pescatarian meal.
Tips for Meal Prep and Entertaining
This dish is fantastic for both weeknight cooking and elegant dinner parties. Here’s how to make it work for different occasions:
- Meal prep: Cook the sauce and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, quickly sear the salmon and combine everything in the skillet.
- Double the batch: This recipe doubles easily if you’re cooking for a crowd. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven for extra room.
- Serve buffet style: Place the salmon, sauce, and sides in separate dishes so guests can build their plates to their liking.
- Make it extra elegant: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, microgreens, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.
What to Serve Alongside This Dish
Pairing the right sides with this creamy salmon dish can elevate the entire meal. Here are some ideas to complement its rich, garlicky flavors:
- Carbs: Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy jasmine rice, or creamy risotto for a comforting base.
- Greens: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
- Bread: Crusty French bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Vegetable sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots make excellent companions to this dish.
- Wine pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with creamy salmon dishes.
Why This Dish Works So Well
The combination of creamy sauce, tender salmon, and earthy vegetables hits all the right notes. The salmon provides protein and healthy fats, while the mushrooms bring umami depth and the spinach adds a burst of freshness. The garlic butter cream sauce ties everything together, making each bite rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. This recipe shows that you don’t need complicated steps or expensive ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Final Reflection
This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests on special occasions. The creamy sauce is luxurious yet simple, and the dish can be customized endlessly to suit your mood or pantry ingredients. Serve it with your favorite sides and a crisp glass of white wine for a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s proof that you can create memorable meals at home without stress or complicated techniques — just fresh ingredients, a single skillet, and a few simple steps.