Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a creamy, savory sauce, Salmon Florentine is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is inspired by the classic Florentine style of cooking, which typically involves a creamy spinach sauce.

Paired with perfectly pan-seared salmon, this recipe is easy to make, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Packed with nutrients, the salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the spinach adds a burst of vitamins and minerals. The creamy sauce ties everything together, making each bite comforting and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
2. Healthy and Delicious: Salmon is rich in healthy fats, and spinach is loaded with nutrients, so this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
3. Comforting: The creamy spinach sauce is rich and velvety, complementing the delicate salmon perfectly.
4. Versatile: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to pasta, making it adaptable to your preferences.
5. Impressive Presentation: The beautiful, vibrant green spinach sauce paired with golden, crispy salmon looks as good as it tastes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon: Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a touch of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the fish. Set the fillets aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Pan-Seared Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil (or butter) to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the salmon is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
3. Rest the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, loosely covered with foil to keep them warm.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Spinach: Gradually add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it as it wilts down. Continue cooking until all the spinach has wilted and reduced in volume, about 2-3 minutes. You may need to add the spinach in batches if your skillet is smaller.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the spinach has wilted, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the Flavorings: Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), nutmeg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Combine the Salmon and Sauce

1. Return the Salmon to the Skillet: Gently place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon the sauce over the salmon, making sure each fillet is generously covered. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Serve: Serve the creamy salmon florentine immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few options to complement your meal:

• Pasta: Serve with pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy rice, such as white, brown, or even cauliflower rice, makes a great accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini work well with this dish.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy spinach sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Salmon Florentine

1. Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. You can use skin-on fillets if you prefer, but skinless fillets work best for this dish.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach will give your sauce a vibrant green color and better texture.
3. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Be sure to cook the salmon just until it’s done—overcooking it will result in dry, tough fish. Salmon is best when it’s tender and slightly flaky.
4. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute with half-and-half or milk. You can also make it dairy-free by using coconut cream or almond milk.
5. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat to balance out the creamy richness.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine recipe is a perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. With the addition of fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s quick and easy to make, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, the creamy spinach sauce will elevate whatever side you choose, making every bite a flavorful experience. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute with half-and-half, milk, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
3. What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up the creamy sauce.
4. How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce to give it some heat.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat the sauce before serving, and cook the salmon fresh when ready to serve.

Yield: 4

Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a creamy, savory sauce, Salmon Florentine is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is inspired by the classic Florentine style of cooking, which typically involves a creamy spinach sauce. Paired with perfectly pan-seared salmon, this recipe is easy to make, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Salmon:
   Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C). Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
   
3. Add the Spinach:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
   Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them on top of the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon.
   Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a complete meal.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

You can also add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.