A Luxurious, Protein-Packed Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes!
This Creamy Spinach and Salmon dish is an elegant yet easy meal featuring tender salmon fillets smothered in a garlicky, creamy spinach sauce. Perfect for date nights, meal prep, or when you want a restaurant-quality dinner at home—without the fuss!
Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for smokiness)
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 5 oz fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Salmon
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan and nutmeg. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
3️⃣ Combine & Finish
- Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
- Cover and simmer 2-3 minutes to heat through.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Expert Tips & FAQs
❓ Can I use frozen salmon?
✅ Yes! Thaw completely and pat very dry before searing.
❓ How to prevent overcooking salmon?
- Cook just until opaque and flakes easily (145°F/63°C internal temp).
❓ Make it dairy-free?
- Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
❓ What if my sauce is too thin?
- Simmer longer, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water and stir into sauce.
❓ Can I add other veggies?
- Try sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
✨ One-pan wonder—minimal cleanup!
✨ Balanced flavors—rich creaminess with bright lemon and garlic.
✨ Meal-prep friendly—sauce reheats beautifully.
Leftover Idea:
- Flake leftover salmon into the sauce and toss with pasta for next-day lunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach and Salmon Delight is a 5-star dinner that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!
Made it? Tag #CreamySalmonDelight! 📸🍣
