Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that tastes every bit as impressive as it looks, Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms may just become your new weeknight favorite. Tender salmon fillets are gently seared and then nestled into a rich, velvety sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms, wilted baby spinach, and a decadent swirl of Parmesan cheese. This meal is stunningly elegant yet surprisingly simple, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special at-home date night.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this dish is how its simple, everyday ingredients combine to create something truly memorable. Each one plays a delicious role – whether adding luxurious creaminess, a pop of color, or a burst of flavor.

• Salmon fillets: Use fresh, center-cut salmon fillets for the best texture and a glorious, flaky finish.
• Salt and black pepper: Season both sides of the fillets to help the natural flavors shine through.
• Olive oil: Just a touch is all you need to get that perfect golden sear on your salmon.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the mushrooms brown beautifully.
• Mushrooms (sliced): Their earthy notes deepen the flavor of the sauce, while their texture is just irresistible.
• Garlic (minced): A quick sauté enhances the creaminess and brings the sauce to life.
• Baby spinach: Fresh leaves wilt down to add gorgeous color and a nutritious boost.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, silky sauce you’ll want to soak up with a spoon.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts right in to give your sauce a nutty depth and just the right salty bite.
• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Either one brings a subtle herby warmth to the dish.
• Lemon juice: A quick squeeze cuts through the richness and brightens all the flavors.
• Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish and a little color on your plate.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Start by sprinkling both sides of your salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and, once shimmering, lay the salmon in skin-side down if yours has skin. Give the salmon about 4–5 minutes without moving it so it forms a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes on the other side. The fish should be just cooked through and perfectly tender. Set the salmon aside on a plate, keeping all those savory brown bits in the pan for extra flavor later.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

Turn the skillet down to medium and add your butter. Once it’s melted and foamy, toss in the mushrooms. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re deeply browned and tender – this usually takes about 5–6 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until you can smell its wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add all your baby spinach right into the skillet. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry – spinach cooks down dramatically! Stir gently until the leaves are just wilted and glossy, soaking up all the garlicky, buttery goodness left in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, pour in the heavy cream and scatter in the Parmesan cheese along with your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes. As the cheese melts and the cream thickens, you’ll see the sauce transform into the star of this Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a final taste for salt and pepper!

Step 5: Return Salmon and Finish

Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Use a spoon to cover them with plenty of that luscious, cheesy mixture. Let everything gently simmer together for 1–2 minutes, just until the salmon is warmed through and every bite is infused with flavor. Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a brilliant finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds brightness but also gives your Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms a professional, inviting look. A few extra grates of Parmesan or a light dusting of lemon zest are wonderful ways to amp up both flavor and color. If you’ve got some microgreens or fresh thyme sprigs, those make eye-catching (and tasty) toppers as well.

Side Dishes

This dish is so rich and satisfying that you can easily keep the sides simple. I love to pile the salmon and sauce high over pillowy mashed potatoes, a tangle of linguine, or fluffy cauliflower rice if I’m feeling light. Even a side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccolini, or crusty bread for dipping will make the meal feel special and completely satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

When you really want to wow, serve Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms family-style in the skillet at the table, letting everyone spoon up their own portion. Or, for a dinner party twist, plate each salmon fillet individually over a bed of lemony risotto or herbed polenta, then pool the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce around it like a true chef. If you have leftovers, tuck them into a toasted sandwich roll or spoon over baked potatoes for a decadent lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any remaining Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing too much of its silky texture or robust flavor. Just be sure to keep the salmon and sauce together so nothing dries out.

Freezing

While this dish truly shines when served fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. The creamy sauce may separate a little when thawed, but it’s still delicious for a quick weeknight meal. Wrap individual salmon portions with sauce tightly in freezer-safe containers and eat within 1 month for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms, place the salmon and sauce in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Add a splash of extra cream if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often, but take care not to overcook the salmon or let the sauce boil vigorously.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the fillets dry before cooking so you get that perfect golden sear. Frozen salmon is often just as tasty and can make Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms a convenient staple meal.

Can I substitute the mushrooms or spinach?

Yes, there’s room for flexibility. Try swapping the mushrooms with thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers for a different take, or use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for an earthier flavor and heartier texture.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce will still be lush and flavorful, though the taste will be a bit different. This variation keeps Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms accessible to all!

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?

Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil when adding the cream and cheese. Stirring frequently and ensuring the pan isn’t too hot helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious every time.

Can I prepare any parts ahead of time?

You can pre-slice your mushrooms, mince the garlic, and even pre-measure the cream and seasonings. However, for the best flavor and texture, sear the salmon and finish the sauce just before serving. It’s worth it for that freshly-cooked luxury of Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

Give this recipe a try and you’ll see just how doable it is to serve up Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms in your own kitchen. It’s comforting, impressive, and cozy all at once. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a special celebration, this is a dish that brings smiles to the table every single time.

Print