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When you want a dish that feels luxurious yet approachable, Pan-Seared Salmon Florentine is the perfect answer. This creamy spinach salmon recipe combines the richness of perfectly seared salmon fillets with a velvety garlic cream sauce and a bed of tender spinach. The result? A restaurant-quality dinner you can easily prepare at home in less than 40 minutes.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for an easy recipe that balances flavor, nutrition, and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or planning a romantic dinner, this step-by-step cooking guide will walk you through every detail so you can plate up confidence and comfort in one dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salmon is already a superstar ingredient it’s flavorful, meaty, and satisfying without needing much fuss. But when you take the time to pan-sear it to golden perfection and pair it with a creamy Florentine sauce made with spinach, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan, you elevate it to something truly extraordinary.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Quick but fancy: Done in under 40 minutes, but looks like fine dining.
One-pan recipe: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Crowd-pleaser: Works for picky eaters and foodies alike.
Flexible: Can be paired with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Balanced: Combines protein, greens, and healthy fats in every bite.

The magic is in the contrast: the crispy seared salmon exterior with its buttery flakes, and the smooth, garlicky spinach cream sauce. Together, they deliver comfort and sophistication in a single bite.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

Not only is this dish a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why it’s a healthy homemade recipe you’ll feel good about serving:

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health.
Spinach provides fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making the sauce more than just indulgent.
Cream sauce here uses a moderate amount of cream, balanced with broth and Parmesan for richness without heaviness.
Homemade control: You know exactly what goes in no additives or excess sodium like in restaurant versions.

It’s special because it feels like a weekend splurge, but it’s quick and doable even on a Wednesday night. A comfort food that doesn’t derail your healthy eating goals that’s a win!

Ingredients

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each, skin-on preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Florentine Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small shallot, finely diced (or ¼ cup onion)
1 ½ cups (45 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano + thyme)
Salt & pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)

Optional Add-ins

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness
A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions / Method

Follow these step-by-step cooking instructions for flawless results.

Preparing the Salmon

Pat dry and season
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat the pan
- Place a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer.
Sear salmon
- Place salmon skin-side down in skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
- Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
Pro Tip: Use a fish spatula for clean flipping and avoid breaking fillets.

Making the Florentine Sauce

Sauté aromatics
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add garlic and shallot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Wilt the spinach
- Add spinach and sauté for 2 minutes until just wilted.
Deglaze & add liquids
- Pour in broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from bottom of pan.
- Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan & seasoning
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens slightly (2-3 minutes).
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Finish with lemon juice
- Stir in lemon juice for brightness.

Combining Salmon and Sauce

Return salmon to pan
- Nestle fillets into the creamy sauce.
- Spoon sauce over the top and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
Check doneness

Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F).

Rest briefly

Remove from heat and let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes.

Plating suggestion

Serve salmon over linguine, rice, or mashed potatoes with extra sauce.

Make-Ahead Option

Cook salmon and sauce separately up to 1 day ahead.
Reheat sauce gently on low heat, then add salmon just before serving.

Recipe Information Box

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Notes / Tips

Variations

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free serve with GF pasta.
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast instead of dairy.

Substitutions

Oil: Use avocado or grapeseed oil.
Cream: Swap with cashew cream for vegan version.
Protein: Try shrimp or chicken instead of salmon.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling.
Freeze sauce separately (without salmon) for up to 1 month.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Dry salmon: Don’t overcook pull at 63°C (145°F).
Curdled sauce: Heat cream gently; avoid boiling.
Watery sauce: Simmer longer to thicken or add more Parmesan.

Tools & Equipment

12-inch nonstick skillet
Fish spatula
Whisk for sauce
Meat thermometer

Serving Ideas

With garlic bread and Caesar salad.
Over creamy mashed potatoes.
Paired with a crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay).

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 485
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 540 mg

Conclusion

This Pan-Seared Salmon Florentine recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a show-stopping meal. Crispy salmon, creamy spinach sauce, and comforting flavors all without the hassle of restaurant dining. Have you tried this recipe yet? Leave a comment below with your experience!

Next time, try customizing it with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even swapping the protein for shrimp. Once you’ve tasted this creamy spinach salmon, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.