If you love seafood dishes that feel both indulgent and comforting, you are going to adore this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe. It’s a stunningly simple way to elevate everyday salmon fillets into a rich, flavorful experience with tender mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a luscious cream sauce that wraps everything in garlicky, buttery goodness. Every bite bursts with fresh, balanced flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully without any fuss, each carrying a crucial role to create the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and inviting colors in this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, rich and tender with a buttery texture that absorbs flavors wonderfully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural taste of salmon.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a perfect base for searing the salmon, adding slight fruitiness and promoting a crisp exterior.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds luxury and depth, helping meld all the sauce flavors together beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh and aromatic, garlic is essential for that classic, tantalizing savory punch.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Cremini or button mushrooms bring a meaty texture and earthy undertones.
- Baby spinach (3 cups): Adds delicate greens that wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce for freshness and color.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates the dreamy, silky sauce that makes every bite heavenly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Infuses a nutty, salty depth that enriches the sauce.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle herbal note to unify all the ingredients.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Balances the richness with a bright, zesty finish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by generously seasoning your salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides to bring out their natural flavors. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down and let it sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden crust that locks in the juiciness. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove the salmon and set it aside on a plate to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until the aroma fills the kitchen. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn tender and develop a lovely caramelized color. This step builds an earthy richness that complements the salmon perfectly.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add your fresh baby spinach directly to the pan with the mushrooms and gently cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach softens just enough but still retains its vibrant green hue. This adds freshness and a tender bite, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken and allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Finish this sauce off with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up with a refreshing tang.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return your salmon fillets gently back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and spooning extra sauce on top. Let everything simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the salmon can soak in the sauce’s luscious flavors and stay warm. This final step infuses the salmon with the creamy, garlicky goodness that defines this dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley as a garnish introduces a bright green contrast and a subtle herbal freshness to the dish visually and flavor-wise. A tiny drizzle of extra lemon juice over the top right before serving can revive the palate and lift the rich cream sauce, making each bite feel lighter and more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe is gorgeous on its own but also pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty artisan bread to mop up every bit of that sumptuous sauce. Roasted baby potatoes or a light quinoa salad would also match perfectly, offering texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon over a bed of garlic butter noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also plate the fillets atop a colorful medley of grilled vegetables to add layers of flavor and a feast for the eyes. Presenting individual portions in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce showcased elegantly around the salmon makes for an inviting and cozy meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salmon and the creamy sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain the dish’s freshness. Be sure to keep the sauce and salmon together as the cream sauce helps retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe, you can freeze cooked salmon and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the spinach as it can lose its texture and color. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent curdling. Alternatively, use a microwave at medium power in short intervals, making sure to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating helps revive the sauce’s lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and prevent excess moisture from steaming the fish.
Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative, and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream substitute instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to make it dairy-free while keeping it rich and creamy.
What can I substitute for the spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula make fantastic substitutes depending on your preference and availability. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since tougher greens might need longer to soften.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can slice and clean your vegetables, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. However, it’s best to cook the salmon fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork while still moist inside. Searing on medium-high heat helps achieve a crispy skin and tender interior without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe is a beautiful way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels special, indulgent, and nourishing all at once — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite in your own kitchen!
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Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a delicious and elegant one-pan dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they are browned and tender. Then add the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and mix well.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the top of the salmon and simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to warm the salmon through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter salmon immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- For a twist, substitute kale for baby spinach.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its tender and moist texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
