There’s something about a beautifully seared salmon fillet that just feels like a little luxury, right? That golden, crispy crust giving way to buttery, flaky fish it’s pure magic. But take it up a notch with a rich, garlicky, creamy Florentine sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! It’s elegant yet incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.
Why You’ll Love Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up that creamy goodness.
Budget-Friendly: Salmon feels fancy, but this dish comes together with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Quick and Easy: A restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
Customizable: Prefer chicken instead? Want a little extra spice? This recipe is easy to tweak to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple, flavorful ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Let’s break it down:
Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! Rich, flaky, and full of healthy fats.
Olive Oil & Butter: The dynamic duo for achieving that perfect golden sear while adding a touch of richness.
Garlic: Because what’s a creamy sauce without a little garlicky goodness?
Heavy Cream: Creates that silky, indulgent sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that makes the sauce extra irresistible.
Baby Spinach: The Florentine twist! It wilts into the sauce, adding a fresh, slightly earthy contrast.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of the sauce while keeping it from being too heavy.
Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: A simple yet effective way to season and add a hint of heat.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another few minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more butter and toss in the garlic. Sauté until fragrant—just a minute or two.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Cheese & Veggies: Stir in the Parmesan, then toss in the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Let the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften slightly.
Return the Salmon to the Pan: Nestle the salmon back into the sauce, spooning some over the fillets. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate the salmon with your favorite sides and drizzle that creamy sauce over the top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal
- Tossed with al dente pasta for a creamy, seafood pasta dish
- Served alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a lighter option
- With a crusty baguette to mop up every last drop of that dreamy sauce
Additional Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking to get a perfect golden crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the salmon—it should be slightly translucent in the center for a juicy bite.
- Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten up the dish.
- Want extra richness? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for an even creamier sauce.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard work great as alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, but gently! Reheat over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just pair it with a low-carb side like cauliflower mash.
What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Wild-caught salmon is best for flavor and nutrition, but farmed works too.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Definitely! Try this sauce with cod, trout, or even shrimp.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
Conclusion
Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, it’s sure to impress. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this dish is pure comfort on a plate. Try it once, and I promise it’ll be a new favorite in your rotation!
Print
Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish – Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian / Florentine
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and elegant dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a luscious, creamy Florentine sauce. The sauce is enriched with garlicky shallots, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon, making it a balanced meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Salmon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side down (if applicable) and sear for about 4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine & Serve: Return the seared salmon to the skillet to warm through, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality, fresh salmon and heavy cream.
- Be cautious not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
- Adjust the liquid components if a thicker or thinner sauce is preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg