If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug while still impressing with elegance, this Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with the fresh earthiness of spinach and mushrooms, all brought together by tender, flaky salmon. Every bite offers a delightful play of textures and tastes, making it an absolute favorite for cozy dinners or when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this luscious meal. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make the dish so memorable.

4 salmon fillets: Fresh and flaky, the star protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness for searing the salmon to a perfect golden crust.
Salt and pepper to taste: The classic seasoning combo that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
1 onion, finely chopped: Infuses the sauce with sweetness and depth as it softens.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
1 cup heavy cream: Delivers that irresistible richness and creamy texture.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce subtly and adds a savory background note.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty sharpness that melts into the sauce for extra flavor.
4 cups fresh spinach: A vibrant green addition that wilts tenderly, adding freshness and nutrition.
1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they complement the salmon perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A tiny pinch that adds warmth and complexity to the cream sauce.
Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens and balances the richness with a refreshing zing.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your beautiful salmon fillets and gently season them on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is key because it enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin side up, and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. That slight crust locks in flavor and creates an irresistible texture. Once seared, remove the salmon and set aside for the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 more minutes until they soften and release their moisture, building a rich base for the sauce below the salmon.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let this simmer gently for around 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, becoming luxuriously creamy. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the ground nutmeg, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combination creates a sauce that is creamy, slightly tangy, and layered with subtle warmth.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts down but remains vibrant and tender. The spinach adds a wonderful freshness and a pop of green that balances the richness of the cream.

Step 6: Combine and Bake

Gently return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Spoon some sauce over the fillets to keep them moist. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still tender and flaky.

How to Serve Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

Garnishes

Finish the dish with an extra sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese or a few freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an added burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil also adds a lovely sheen and richness before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Try buttery mashed potatoes, garlic roasted potatoes, or a light lemony quinoa salad. Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli also complement the flavors and add more nutrients to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve each fillet over a bed of creamy polenta, letting the sauce cascade around it. Alternatively, place a generous spoonful of the spinach and mushroom cream on a warm plate and lay the salmon fillet on top like a masterpiece. This makes the dish feel extra special and elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce might thicken as it chills, but it will still taste amazing when reheated.

Freezing

While this dish tastes freshest straight from the stove, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This keeps the salmon moist and the sauce creamy without drying out your dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce a day before and store it separately. When ready, warm it gently and add the freshly cooked salmon just before serving.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Button or cremini mushrooms are great for this recipe due to their mild flavor and firm texture, but feel free to experiment with chanterelles or shiitakes for a more earthy twist.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque color throughout. Baking it 10-12 minutes in the oven after searing typically achieves this balance of tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe truly feels like a special treat from the moment it starts sizzling in the pan to the last spoonful on your plate. It’s the kind of comforting, elegant dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, no matter the occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with all the creamy, fresh, and perfectly balanced flavors just as much as I have!

Creamy Salmon Florentine with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Salmon Florentine features tender salmon fillets baked in a luscious sauce of spinach, mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan cream. This restaurant-style dish combines sautéed vegetables and a velvety nutmeg-infused cream sauce, delivering a flavorful, elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 cups fresh spinach

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Juice of 1 lemon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Season Salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to enhance flavor.
Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin side up and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their moisture, blending their flavor with the aromatics.
Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Enhance Sauce and Add Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice to infuse the sauce with depth and brightness. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the sauce.
Combine Salmon with Sauce and Bake: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the salmon hot, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.

Notes

Use a large ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring the sauce and salmon to another dish, which helps retain flavors.
When searing salmon, do not move it too early to ensure a crispy crust forms.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
For a dairy-free option, omit Parmesan cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American