If you’re longing for a restaurant-worthy dinner that comes together swiftly at home, look no further than Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce. Imagine golden-seared salmon fillets nestled in a luxuriously smooth sauce that brims with the rich flavor of garlic, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach. Every bite is a celebration of flavor, color, and texture—rich, comforting, and impossibly easy, making this dish a go-to for entertaining or a cozy night in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce proves you don’t need a lengthy grocery list or any fancy ingredients to create something truly showstopping. Each element is deliberate, contributing layers of flavor, a captivating aroma, or a pop of color that transforms your skillet into something special.
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, skin-on fillets for crispiness and juiciness; about 6 ounces each is perfect for portioning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the full flavor of the salmon and balancing the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the salmon to a gorgeous golden brown while keeping it moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a mellow richness and classic garlic-butter flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, infuse the entire dish with savory warmth—don’t skimp!
- Mushrooms (Cremini or Button): Sliced and sautéed for earthy depth—both varieties work well, so use your favorite or what’s handy.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh and vibrant, it wilts beautifully into the sauce while boosting nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: The backbone of that silky, dreamy sauce—try not to substitute, as this brings the magic.
- Parmesan Cheese: Just a little bit ramps up the umami and thickens the sauce to perfection.
- Dried Thyme or Italian Seasoning: These herbs provide subtle aromatic notes that tie everything together.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens and balances the richness—absolutely essential!
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley makes for a pretty finish, but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This step ensures a beautiful crust and savory bite. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the salmon skin-side down and let it sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes—this is how you achieve that signature crispy skin. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until just opaque in the center. Transfer the fillets to a plate to rest while you make the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the very same skillet (don’t clean it out; all those browned bits are flavor gold!), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it bubble for about 30 seconds; your kitchen will smell fantastic. Next, add the sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re browned and tender. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for just a minute or two, allowing the leaves to wilt and soak up all those savory flavors.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Stir everything together, and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken into a decadent consistency. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon at the very end—to cut through the richness and elevate every other flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Now, bring back the star! Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy, garlicky sauce. Spoon sauce over the tops so they glisten, letting them simmer for another minute or two so the flavors meld and the salmon warms through. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a finishing touch of color and freshness. That’s it—your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is ready to impress.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley is classic and adds both color and a gentle herby note. You could also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a crack of black pepper for a chef’s kiss finishing touch. If you love citrus, a wedge of lemon on the side never goes amiss with salmon.
Side Dishes
This dish sings with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even some chewy, warm crusty bread perfect for sopping up that irresistible sauce. If you’re keeping things light, serve alongside roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple arugula salad to offset the richness of the Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating each salmon fillet over a swirl of sauce on individual plates, garnishing with microgreens or thinly sliced scallions. Or, for a family-style feel, arrange everything right in the skillet and set it on the table—it’s cozy, impressive, and makes for easy serving. This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is guaranteed to wow, no matter how you choose to present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled salmon and sauce into an airtight container. Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce will keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge, and the flavors mellow even more as they meld together.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce may not be quite as silky after freezing, you can store this dish in the freezer for up to one month. For best results, freeze the salmon and sauce separately if possible, and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Just note the texture of the spinach and cream might change slightly.
Reheating
To gently reheat your leftovers and maintain the salmon’s tenderness, place everything in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as that can dry out the delicate fish. A few minutes of gentle warming will bring your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce back to its just-cooked glory.
FAQs
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free spin, though you may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to achieve the same creamy consistency. The flavor will change a touch, but your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce will still be delicious.
What type Main Course
Cremini or button mushrooms both work fabulously, each offering a mild, earthy backdrop that soaks up the creamy sauce. If you want a deeper flavor, try baby bellas or even a mix—just be sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Frozen spinach is a handy substitute. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. This will prevent the creamy sauce in your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce from becoming watery.
Is it okay to leave the skin on the salmon?
Absolutely! The skin crisps up beautifully during searing and offers irresistible flavor and texture. If you prefer skinless salmon, that works as well—the fillets will still soak up all the wonderful garlic butter sauce.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque in the center. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for moist, juicy results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce at your own table. It’s one of those magical meals that feels special enough for company but is easy enough for a weeknight treat. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, your plate will look gorgeous, and every bite will be a little celebration.
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a rich and flavorful creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice.
- Combine and serve: Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over fillets, and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes. Serve garnished with parsley.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- You can use kale instead of spinach or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
