🍽️ Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms
Description
This creamy garlic butter salmon is a restaurant-quality dish made in under 30 minutes. Juicy, pan-seared salmon fillets are smothered in a rich garlic butter cream sauce with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating, pairing omega-3-rich salmon with nutrient-packed vegetables in a luxurious sauce.
📝 Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms
-
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
-
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
-
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic (minced)
-
8 oz mushrooms (sliced, cremini or button work best)
-
2 cups fresh spinach
-
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
-
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano/basil mix)
-
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Season & Sear the Salmon
-
Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Sear salmon (skin-side down if using) for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
-
-
Cook Mushrooms & Garlic
-
In the same pan, add butter and let it melt.
-
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
-
Add mushrooms, cook until golden and tender (5–6 minutes).
-
-
Make the Creamy Sauce
-
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
-
Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
-
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
-
Add Spinach & Salmon
-
Stir in spinach until wilted.
-
Return salmon fillets to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes.
-
-
Serve
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
-
📌 Notes
-
You can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free.
-
Use skin-on salmon for extra crispiness.
-
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
-
Works great with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
💡 Tips
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing salmon; it helps with a golden crust.
-
Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.
-
If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of broth or milk.
-
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
🍴 Servings
-
Serves 4 people
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
-
Calories: 520 kcal
-
Protein: 38 g
-
Fat: 36 g
-
Saturated Fat: 15 g
-
Carbohydrates: 8 g
-
Fiber: 2 g
-
Sugar: 2 g
-
Sodium: 580 mg
🌟 Benefits
-
High in Omega-3s: Supports heart and brain health.
-
Protein-rich: Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.
-
Spinach & Mushrooms: Provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
-
Balanced Meal: Healthy fats, protein, and veggies in one dish.
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but salmon is best served fresh. You can prep the sauce ahead and reheat gently, then add freshly seared salmon.
Q2: What sides go best with this dish?
A: Rice, pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Q3: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for best sear.
Q4: How do I keep salmon from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook—salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
Q5: Can I swap the cream for something lighter?
A: Yes, use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or even evaporated milk for a lighter version.