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Salmon with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Sauce

Author: Emily
Total Time: 20 MINUTES

Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Salmon with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Sauce is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender salmon, rich cream, and a savory spinach and tomato sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. This recipe is easy to prepare, taking only a short time to cook, and can be paired with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring the fillets are well-seasoned.

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if applicable).
Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.

3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and butter, cooking for another minute until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

4. Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it starts to wilt.
Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients and create a smooth sauce.

5. Add Parmesan and Cook

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming rich and creamy.

6. Combine and Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over the top of each fillet.
Let the salmon heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it’s warm and coated with the sauce.

7. Serve Warm

Transfer the salmon fillets and the creamy sauce to a serving plate.

Garnish with fresh parsley and basil (optional) for added flavor and color.
Serve this delicious dish warm with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Cooking Tips

Skin-on Salmon: If you’re using skin-on salmon fillets, cook the skin side first to get a crispier texture.

Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or lemon zest to the sauce for extra flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Avoid Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and remove it from the pan once it’s just cooked through.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
3 cloves garlic, minced
150g cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tablespoon butter
50g fresh spinach
150ml cream (heavy cream or cooking cream)

50g Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring the fillets are well-seasoned.

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if applicable).

Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.

3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and butter, cooking for another minute until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

4. Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it starts to wilt.
Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients and create a smooth sauce.

5. Add Parmesan and Cook

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming rich and creamy.

6. Combine and Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over the top of each fillet.
Let the salmon heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring it’s warm and coated with the sauce.

7. Serve Warm

Transfer the salmon fillets and the creamy sauce to a serving plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley and basil (optional) for added flavor and color.
Serve this delicious dish warm with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the salmon with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a rich and comforting meal.
With Rice: Pair it with steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with fresh crusty bread to dip into the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Side Salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the rich salmon and sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are perfect sides for this dish.

Cooking Tips

Skin-on Salmon: If you’re using skin-on salmon fillets, cook the skin side first to get a crispier texture.

Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or lemon zest to the sauce for extra flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Avoid Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and remove it from the pan once it’s just cooked through.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Salmon also provides vitamin D and protein, making it a highly nutritious choice.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, spinach is a nutrient powerhouse that supports eye health, immunity, and strong bones.
Parmesan Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, Parmesan helps support bone health and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Cream: Heavy cream contributes to a creamy texture while providing healthy fats for energy.

Storage

Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon with the creamy sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Freezing: Although the texture may change slightly, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy sauce, tender salmon, and fresh spinach creates a delicious and indulgent dish that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides, making it a great option for any meal.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and vitamins, this recipe offers a balanced and nourishing meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it properly in the fridge before cooking for best results.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or half-and-half for a lighter version.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve the salmon immediately after cooking, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply reheat the sauce and then add the salmon when ready to serve.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, simply cook it for a bit longer to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to thicken the sauce.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, asparagus, or even peas to the sauce for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to sauté them before adding the cream to ensure they cook properly.

This Salmon with Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Sauce is a must-try recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will undoubtedly impress!