Salmon is one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy but can be surprisingly simple to cook at home. This creamy garlic butter salmon with spinach and parmesan takes the humble salmon fillet and transforms it into something indulgent and comforting, yet still wholesome. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy, golden salmon nestled in a silky sauce made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, cream, and a finishing touch of parmesan cheese. The best part? It comes together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Served alongside fluffy buttered rice, this dish hits all the right notes—rich, fresh, flavorful, and filling.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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150 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 handfuls baby spinach
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120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
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30 g (¼ cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the rice:
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1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 cup rice (uncooked, any variety you prefer)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 1/2 cups (350 ml) hot water
Cooking Directions
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the salmon fillets, skin side down first, and fry for about 4 minutes until the bottoms are crispy and caramelized.
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Flip the salmon and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the fish to a plate and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute or two.
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Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
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Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the vegetables.
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Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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Sprinkle in the chopped parsley or basil for freshness.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute.
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Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes until fully cooked through.
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To make the rice: melt 1/2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
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Add the salt and pour in the hot water. Bring to a boil.
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Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Remove from heat, uncover, and fluff gently with a fork.
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Serve the salmon hot with creamy garlic butter sauce spooned on top, alongside fluffy buttered rice.
Nutrients (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 34 g
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Carbohydrates: 28 g
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Fat: 30 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 540 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love here. First, it’s fast—under 30 minutes from start to finish. That makes it perfect for weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Second, it feels luxurious. The cream, butter, garlic, and parmesan give the sauce a richness that clings to the salmon beautifully. Third, it’s versatile. You can serve this over rice, pasta, or even with crusty bread for dipping. And lastly, it’s crowd-pleasing. Even people who aren’t big seafood fans often change their minds when they try salmon prepared this way.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish borrows inspiration from classic Italian and Mediterranean flavors. Creamy garlic sauces are staples in Italian cooking, while spinach and tomato add freshness and balance. Salmon, often prepared simply in Mediterranean cuisine with olive oil and herbs, gets a richer treatment here with cream and cheese. The end result feels like a marriage of rustic European comfort food and modern one-pan efficiency. It’s the kind of recipe that feels timeless—something you’d imagine being served at a cozy trattoria but equally at home in your own kitchen.
Ingredient Spotlight
Salmon is the star here. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12. The garlic adds warmth and depth, while the cherry tomatoes bring bursts of sweetness and acidity that cut through the richness of the cream. Spinach sneaks in a dose of leafy greens, contributing iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Parmesan cheese enhances everything with its salty, nutty character, and fresh herbs brighten the dish at the very end. Even the rice, lightly toasted in butter before cooking, gets its moment—it’s a simple yet effective way to elevate plain rice into something fragrant and delicious.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving for long periods as salmon can dry out quickly and the cream sauce may separate. The rice reheats well in the microwave or skillet with a touch of butter. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must save some, just be gentle with the reheating.
Common Variations to Try
There’s plenty of room to experiment with this recipe. Instead of salmon, you could use cod, halibut, or even shrimp. For a tomato-cream version, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste along with the cream. If you want to lighten things up, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Cheese-wise, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can bring a different sharpness to the sauce. And if you’re feeling bold, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cut through the creaminess with their acidity. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon works great to refresh the palate. On the side, you can serve roasted asparagus, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or even garlic bread. If you prefer to swap out the rice, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta would both be perfect accompaniments.
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Health Benefits
Despite its creamy richness, this dish is packed with nutrition. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and brain function, while also delivering a hefty dose of protein for muscle repair and energy. Spinach contributes vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and iron, making it a powerhouse green. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Tomatoes bring antioxidants like lycopene to the table, which may help protect against certain diseases. Even the rice, especially if you opt for brown rice, contributes fiber and steady energy. This is a meal that feels indulgent but still supports a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic butter salmon with spinach and parmesan is one of those rare recipes that balances elegance with ease. It comes together quickly, tastes indulgent, and yet delivers a surprising amount of nutrition thanks to salmon and vegetables. It’s a dish that can impress guests, comfort your family, or simply treat you to a satisfying solo dinner. Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it again and again—because when something is this good, why wouldn’t you?