If you are looking for a dish that combines rich flavors with wholesome nutrition and a touch of elegance, you have to try the Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe. This recipe is a celebration of creamy textures, fresh greens, and tender salmon fillets perfectly seared in garlic-infused butter. Every bite delivers a comforting balance of garlicky warmth and silky sauce, making it the ideal meal for both busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients is all you need to bring this dish to life. Each one plays a crucial role: buttery richness, fresh earthiness, bright acidity, and that indispensable garlicky aroma that ties everything together.
- Salmon fillets: Use fresh, skin-on if possible, for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a golden crust on the salmon.
- Butter: Melts into the sauce for indulgent creaminess and depth.
- Garlic, minced: The heart of the recipe, providing a fragrant, savory punch.
- Mushrooms, sliced: Bring earthy, meaty notes that complement the salmon beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Offers vibrant color and a delicate, slightly sweet contrast.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base for the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances richness.
- Lemon juice: Introduces a bright acidity that balances the butter and cream.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper generously. Place them skin-side down first (if skin-on), cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautifully golden crust with the inside moist and flaky. Once cooked through, carefully remove the salmon and set it aside so we can work on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute just until it becomes wonderfully fragrant — be careful not to let it burn as that could introduce bitterness. This step creates the aromatic foundation for the creamy sauce you’re about to build.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms to Tenderness
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and start releasing their earthy juices. The mushrooms will soak up the buttery garlic flavor, adding a rich, umami layer that pairs perfectly with the leafy spinach and salmon.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach directly to the skillet with mushrooms. It might seem like a lot at first, but spinach wilts down quickly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until all the leaves soften and shrink, enveloping the mushrooms in vibrant green goodness.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Stir well to combine, then add the lemon juice to brighten up the sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just slightly, turning silky and luxurious. This sauce is the magic that brings all the components together.
Step 6: Return Salmon to the Skillet
Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce and vibrant veggies generously over the top of each piece. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the salmon warms through and absorbs some of those rich flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, scatter some fresh parsley over the dish if you like a burst of fresh color and herbaceous note. Serve immediately while everything is warm and the sauce is irresistibly silky.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a bright, peppery lift that contrasts beautifully with the lush cream sauce. A light lemon wedge on the side can be squeezed over for extra zing at the table, making the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery garlic bread. For a lighter touch, serve with roasted asparagus or a crisp arugula salad to add fresh crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon atop a bed of your favorite grain like quinoa or farro. Arrange the spinach and mushrooms alongside or drape the sauce over the salmon artistically. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add texture and depth that impress guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools; simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up.
Freezing
While salmon dishes freeze okay, the texture of the creamy sauce and fresh spinach tends to change after thawing. For best results, freeze only the cooked salmon fillets separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with freshly prepared veggies and sauce for the best flavors.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the salmon gently over low heat to avoid drying it out. Stir the sauce occasionally and add a little cream or broth if it’s too thick. Taking your time to reheat this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe ensures the flavors remain rich and the salmon stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach brings the best color and texture, frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the sauce.
What type of mushrooms work best?
Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe because they hold up well to sautéing and have a mild, earthy flavor that won’t overpower the salmon and cream sauce.
Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a splash of butter, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For the full indulgence of the Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe, heavy cream is preferred.
Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead of the skillet?
Absolutely! Baking the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes works well, though you’ll still want to prepare the garlic butter sauce separately on the stove for best flavor and texture.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. Cooking it just until opaque ensures it won’t dry out when returned to the skillet with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy salmon that feels both comforting and special. It’s quick enough to fit into your weeknight routine yet elegant enough to impress guests. Don’t hesitate to try it—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your recipe lineup!
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a delicious and quick skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection and then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making this dish both comforting and fresh. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal nutritious seafood option that pairs beautifully with a side of rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their moisture.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted but still vibrant.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return Salmon to Skillet: Place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the salmon.
- Warm Through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, pairing well with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- For an extra tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice before serving.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
