Introduction: Why This Salmon Florentine Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
Some recipes stay with you. This Salmon Florentine recipe is one of those. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests. At its heart, it’s pan-seared salmon tucked into a creamy spinach sauce, with garlic and Parmesan doing the heavy lifting.
If you’re tired of the same old salmon dinner recipes, this one changes the game. It’s rich but not heavy, vibrant but not complicated. The pairing of salmon and spinach feels both classic and fresh, with sun-dried tomatoes adding a touch of sweetness that cuts through the cream.
Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to treat yourself to something that feels restaurant-level, this dish fits the mood. It’s a low-fuss recipe that delivers high reward, using familiar ingredients in a way that feels surprisingly new.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Salmon with Spinach Cream Sauce
To bring this Salmon Florentine recipe to life, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients. The balance between creamy, savory, and fresh flavors depends on using the right elements from the start.
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (around 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Cream Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Add-Ins
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Optional Finishes
- Fresh lemon juice for brightness
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Each ingredient plays a role. The salmon brings richness and texture. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add contrast and color. The garlic cream sauce ties everything together into a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.
How to Make Pan Seared Salmon Florentine
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. The key is to sear the salmon first, then build the garlic cream sauce in the same pan. That way, every layer of flavor stays in the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the salmon on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little butter if needed. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and broth, stirring well. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan, then stir until smooth.
- Toss in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the salmon to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let it warm through for another minute.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley if you like. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and the salmon is tender.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Seared Salmon Dinner
A great seared salmon dinner starts with the right technique. Even the best ingredients can fall flat if the salmon is overcooked or the sauce breaks. These quick tips help keep everything on point.
Get the Salmon Right
- Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. Cold fish straight from the fridge tends to cook unevenly.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel. Moisture can prevent that golden sear you want.
- Use a cast iron or nonstick skillet with hot oil. The salmon should sizzle as soon as it hits the pan.
- Avoid flipping too early. Let the crust form naturally before turning.
Nail the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Don’t rush the garlic and onion. Give them time to soften and release their flavor before adding cream.
- Use low to medium heat when simmering the sauce. High heat can cause it to split.
- Stir in Parmesan slowly for a smooth texture. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
Even a small detail, like finishing with lemon, can lift the whole dish. It brings balance to the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness.
Variations on This Salmon Florentine Recipe
One of the best things about this salmon Florentine recipe is how easily it adapts. Whether you are working with dietary needs or just want to change things up, small tweaks can give it a whole new feel.
Ingredient Swaps
- Leafy greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a deeper flavor.
- Cream base: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. For dairy-free, try unsweetened coconut cream with nutritional yeast.
- Protein switch: This garlic cream sauce also works with shrimp, chicken, or even crispy styles like this Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, capers, or artichoke hearts bring in new textures and flavors.
Adjusting the Heat
If you like a little spice, stir in red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne during the sauce stage. It adds warmth without overpowering the salmon.
The beauty of this dish is that it stays flexible without losing its core appeal. Creamy, savory, and built around a well-cooked piece of fish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Salmon Dinner
This salmon dinner holds up well for leftovers, which makes it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches. With the right care, the flavors stay rich and the texture stays satisfying.
Storing Leftovers
- Place cooled salmon and sauce in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
- Keep the sauce and salmon together if possible. It helps retain moisture and flavor.
Reheating Without Drying Out
- Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the garlic cream sauce if it thickened in the fridge.
- Microwave reheating works too, but cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Notes
You can freeze this dish, but the sauce may change texture. If freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly with extra liquid to smooth it out again.
If you have leftovers, try serving the salmon Florentine over rice, tucked into a wrap, or broken into pieces for a creamy pasta lunch.
“If you are serving leftovers the next day, try pairing them with this fresh and crunchy Asian Coleslaw Recipe to balance out the richness.“
Why Salmon and Spinach Are a Perfect Match
There is a reason salmon and spinach show up together in so many salmon dinner recipes. They complement each other not just in flavor but in nutrition. This pairing creates a meal that feels indulgent but offers real benefits.
What Salmon Brings
Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It is also high in quality protein and rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and potassium. Its natural fattiness makes it ideal for a creamy garlic sauce because it holds its own without getting lost.
Why Spinach Works So Well
Spinach adds freshness and depth to the dish. It brings in fiber, vitamin C, iron, and folate. When wilted into the sauce, it softens without disappearing, giving texture and a bit of earthy contrast.
Together, salmon and spinach strike a balance. You get creamy and crisp, rich and light. It is a combination that feels good and tastes even better.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salmon Florentine
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the sauce. This helps keep the texture smooth and prevents dilution.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.
Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes, skinless fillets work just fine. Just be extra careful when searing to avoid sticking. A nonstick or cast iron skillet helps.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and holds up for a few days in the fridge. Store the salmon and garlic cream sauce together for best results.
Conclusion: A Salmon Dinner Worth Repeating
Some recipes are simple, but still feel special every time you make them. This salmon Florentine recipe lands right in that sweet spot. It brings together creamy comfort and clean flavors without needing hours in the kitchen.
The garlic cream sauce is rich but balanced. The spinach adds just enough green to make it feel fresh. And the salmon stays at the center, tender and golden from a quick sear.
If you are looking for a salmon dinner that goes beyond basic, this one is easy to make and easy to love. Save it, share it, or make it your new go-to for busy nights when you still want something real and satisfying.
Creamy Salmon Florentine
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Add-ins and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- optional fresh lemon juice for serving
- optional fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until softened.
- Pour in cream and broth. Stir and let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and stir until smooth. Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Return salmon to skillet. Spoon sauce over each fillet. Let heat through for another minute.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Potassium: 800 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 3500 IU
- Vitamin C: 15 mg
- Calcium: 180 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
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