If you’re looking for a dish that feels like an instant classic and adds elegance to your weeknight routine, Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is destined to become a favorite at your table. This crave-worthy recipe balances rich buttery salmon with earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a luscious, Parmesan-infused cream sauce that brings everything together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, every bite is a delicious harmony of savory flavors and irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is how each carefully chosen ingredient shines. From the rich salmon and fresh veggies to the creamy Parmesan sauce, these staples harmonize into something truly special without fuss or hard-to-find components.
- Salmon fillets: Choose about 6 ounces per fillet, with or without skin; the salmon provides hearty protein and tender, flaky texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning wakes up all the natural flavors in both the fish and the sauce.
- Olive oil: Gives a silky golden sear on the salmon and forms the base for sautéing.
- Unsalted butter: Adds that signature richness and softens the garlic’s bite.
- Garlic: Three cloves, freshly minced, create a bold aromatic foundation no one can resist.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms bring earthiness, texture, and a satisfying bite to balance the sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Two generous cups wilt quickly and offer color, nutrients, and subtle flavor.
- Heavy cream: The key to our sauce’s luxurious, creamy mouthfeel — truly a treat!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This salty, nutty addition thickens the sauce and deepens the flavor.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the freshness.
- Lemon juice: Just a tablespoon brightens everything and cuts the richness for balance.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, finishing garnish for extra color and a herbal pop.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Proper seasoning at this stage is what transforms the salmon from basic to crave-worthy, setting the foundation for flavor in your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon Fillets
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully place each salmon fillet skin-side down (if using skin-on). Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous, golden crust while keeping the center tender and juicy. Once cooked through, gently transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
Into the same skillet, drop in the butter and allow it to melt and foam. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute — you want it fragrant, not brown. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and get those lovely caramelized edges. The mushrooms soak up flavors while giving the sauce heartiness.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Time for those bright green bursts! Stir in the fresh spinach, folding gently as it wilts down. This only takes a minute or two and delivers a pop of color along with vitamins. Using fresh spinach keeps the dish feeling light and fresh against the richness of the sauce.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then quickly follow with the grated Parmesan, your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and the lemon juice. Stir everything together, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor gold! Allow the sauce to simmer and gently thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Return Salmon & Finish
Carefully nestle the cooked salmon back into the skillet, spooning the decadent sauce over each fillet. Let everything simmer together for a final 2 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the salmon warms through. This is where Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce really comes together in all its glory!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish for a little extra color and fresh flavor. For an elegant touch, a thin lemon wedge on the plate complements the creamy sauce beautifully and offers a burst of brightness when squeezed over the salmon just before eating.
Side Dishes
To soak up every last drop of that velvety sauce, serve Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce over fluffy rice, a mound of buttery mashed potatoes, or twirls of pasta. For a lighter option, steamed cauliflower rice or blanched green beans make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try plating the salmon over a bed of crispy roasted potatoes or rustic toasted bread slices. Arrange the sautéed vegetables and creamy sauce alongside for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For an al fresco dinner, ladle everything into shallow bowls and offer plenty of crusty bread for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any remaining Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of serving, and your leftovers will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Be mindful to keep the salmon and sauce together to preserve the flavors.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon and its creamy mushroom-spinach sauce for up to 1 month. Store portions in tightly sealed containers, but keep in mind the sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing because of the cream.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can overcook the salmon and make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve a beautifully crisp sear and prevents excess moisture from thinning your creamy sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version of Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce will be a bit less rich and thick). A little extra Parmesan can help thicken it up if needed.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten free, provided your Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten free. Just pair it with a gluten free side if you’re serving those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. This recipe is flexible! Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, small broccoli florets, or a handful of sweet bell pepper strips for extra color and flavor in your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque center. If you’re using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. Be careful not to overcook as it will continue to cook slightly when returned to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce into your home kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that’s both comfortingly classic and special enough for a celebration. Give it a try and discover just how simple, satisfying, and downright delicious this dish can be!
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Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luxurious meal with this Garlic Butter Salmon served with a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter, then add mushrooms and cook until tender. Add spinach, cream, Parmesan, thyme, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over fillets, and simmer briefly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can also swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
