Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a luxurious, one-skillet dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with garlicky mushrooms, wilted spinach, and a rich cream sauce. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but feels fancy enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The combination of garlic butter and creamy sauce elevates the salmon, while the mushrooms and spinach add depth and nutrition. Whether you’re trying to impress or just want a satisfying dinner, this recipe hits the mark.

Pure Comfort

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hot skillet of creamy, buttery salmon. The richness of the sauce and the aroma of garlic create a cozy experience with every bite. It’s comfort food that still feels fresh and vibrant.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets, skin on
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What You Need

You’ll need a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel), a spatula or fish turner, a sharp knife for prepping vegetables, and a spoon for stirring the sauce. Paper towels are useful for patting the salmon dry to get a better sear.

Time to Cook

From start to finish, this recipe takes around 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t compromise on indulgence.

Steps to Make It

1. Prep the Salmon
   Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps the fish sear better and draws out extra moisture.
2. Sear the Salmon
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
   In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds, then add sliced mushrooms. Cook until browned and tender.
4. Add the Spinach
   Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
   Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
6. Return Salmon to the Pan
   Nestle the cooked salmon back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and let everything simmer for another minute or two.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

Make It Perfect

• Pat the salmon dry before cooking for a better crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the salmon—work in batches if needed.
• Let the sauce reduce slightly before adding the salmon back to keep it creamy, not runny.

Mix It Up

• Swap mushrooms for zucchini or bell peppers for a lighter feel.
• Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Use trout or cod if salmon isn’t available.

Perfect Partners

Serve this salmon with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Garlic parmesan pasta
• Steamed basmati rice
• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread to soak up that sauce!

Busy Day Hero

This dish is perfect when you’re short on time but want a hearty meal. Since everything happens in one pan, cleanup is quick, and the flavor payoff is huge.

Work Ahead

You can prep ingredients in advance:

• Mince garlic and slice mushrooms ahead of time.
• Pre-portion your salmon and keep it chilled.
• Grate Parmesan and measure out cream and broth in a small container.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon or curdling the sauce.

Everyone’s Happy

Picky eaters? This creamy, garlicky flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser. You can serve the sauce over chicken for non-seafood fans or keep it vegetarian by adding more mushrooms and spinach.

Good For You Too

This recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and packed with nutrients from spinach and mushrooms. You’re getting protein, fiber, and vitamins in a single skillet.

Easy Clean Up

One pan does it all—less mess, less fuss. Wipe down the cutting board and rinse the pan, and you’re done. Ideal for weeknights when dishes are the last thing you want to do.

Switch It Up

Feeling adventurous?

• Add a splash of white wine before simmering the sauce.
• Top with a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
• Stir in a spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a Mediterranean vibe.

Simply Perfect

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and ease. It’s a simple recipe that feels elegant, tastes rich, and makes dinner something to look forward to.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.

3. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
Skip them or replace with another veggie like zucchini or red bell peppers.

4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding more Parmesan or letting it reduce longer.

6. Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes, just handle carefully when searing since it may be more delicate without the skin.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce brings elegance and comfort to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s rich, flavorful, and adaptable, making it a must-have in your recipe rotation. From a quick weeknight meal to a special weekend dinner, it’s always a winner.

Keep the Creamy Goodness Going

If this creamy garlic butter salmon had you licking your plate, you’ll definitely want to try some of these deliciously complementary dishes. For another elegant seafood twist, check out the indulgent Yummy Crab Recipe—a perfect partner to your next dinner menu. Love garlic and cream? You’ll swoon over the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce for a rich, meaty alternative. For something equally balanced and hearty, try the flavorful Savory Spinach, Mushroom and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Need a creamy pasta side? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish. And for the perfect veggie pairing, don’t skip the Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies—ideal to soak up that extra sauce!

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