Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Salmon Florentine is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a rich, cheesy spinach sauce. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe brings together fresh ingredients in a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Step 6: Add chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
7. Step 7: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them to coat.
9. Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh baby spinach for a tender texture, or substitute with kale for a heartier green.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher, juicier flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the salmon. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can help maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon fillets can be used. Make sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator before cooking for best results and even cooking.

Is this dish suitable for making ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the salmon separately in advance, then combine and reheat gently before serving. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the salmon and spinach.

Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

Creamy Salmon Florentine is a rich and comforting dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce studded with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. This skillet-cooked meal blends the delicate flavors of fish with a velvety sauce, making for an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner option.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For Serving

• Fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Remove fillets from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic releases its aroma.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Vegetables: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until smooth and thickened. Add chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Season the Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each fillet, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired for brightness.

Notes

• Use skin-on salmon fillets for a better sear and to help hold the fillet together while cooking.
• If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the sauce lighter.
• For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with fresh cherry tomatoes if unavailable.
• Serve with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Keywords: Creamy Salmon Florentine, Salmon recipe, creamy Parmesan sauce, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, skillet salmon, easy dinner recipe