Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Sauce is an elegant yet comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. Tender salmon fillets are carefully stuffed with a rich mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, and cream, then baked to flaky perfection and finished with a luscious Parmesan sauce.

The natural richness of salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory filling, while garlic and cheese add depth without overpowering the fish. This recipe is perfect for special dinners, family meals, or anytime you want to enjoy something indulgent yet wholesome.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple salmon into something truly special without requiring complicated techniques. The creamy spinach filling keeps the salmon moist and flavorful, while the Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious finish. It feels indulgent, but it is still packed with protein and nutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines bold flavor, elegant presentation, and ease of preparation in one recipe. It is ideal for entertaining, date nights, or whenever you want a reliable dish that impresses every time. The creamy filling and sauce elevate salmon into a complete, comforting meal.

Recipe Overview

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories (Approx.): 520 calories per serving
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired / American

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Spinach Filling

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup milk or light cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare the creamy spinach filling.
  2. Stuff the salmon fillets with the filling.
  3. Bake salmon until flaky and tender.
  4. Prepare the Parmesan sauce.
  5. Spoon sauce over salmon and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
  6. Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each salmon pocket.
  7. Place stuffed salmon in the baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  9. While salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  10. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
  11. Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  12. Remove salmon from oven and spoon Parmesan sauce over the top before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon hot, drizzled with extra Parmesan sauce. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a light pasta. A crisp green salad or steamed asparagus makes an excellent side for balance.

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overfill the salmon pockets to prevent filling from spilling out.
  • Pat salmon dry before seasoning for better baking results.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for a smoother sauce.
  • Let salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

Cheesy Mozzarella Spinach Salmon

Replace half of the Parmesan in the filling with mozzarella for a gooier texture.

Low-Carb Version

Skip the flour in the sauce and thicken with cream cheese instead.

Herb-Infused

Add fresh dill, parsley, or basil to the spinach filling for extra freshness.

Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach

Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the filling for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.

Pan-Seared Option

Sear stuffed salmon in a skillet first, then finish in the oven for a crisp exterior.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon (without sauce) for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature to avoid drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, fully thaw and pat dry before stuffing and cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and stuff the salmon a few hours in advance.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat milk can be used for a lighter version.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with minor adjustments such as skipping flour in the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Sauce is a rich, satisfying dish that delivers both elegance and comfort in every bite. With tender salmon, a flavorful creamy filling, and a silky Parmesan sauce, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or elevated everyday meals. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, it is a dish you will come back to whenever you want something truly delicious and memorable.

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon with Parmesan Sauce

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Stuffed Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 ounces each)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • For the Creamy Spinach Filling

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • For the Parmesan Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup milk or light cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • Cut a deep pocket lengthwise into each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
  • Spoon the spinach mixture evenly into each salmon pocket.
  • Place stuffed salmon in the baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • While salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Remove salmon from oven and spoon Parmesan sauce over the top before serving.

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