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Creamy Parmesan Spinach Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salmon:
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach (loosely packed)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Salmon : Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Step 2: Sear the Salmon : Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside on a plate. (It will finish cooking later in the sauce.)
  • Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Base : In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
  • Step 4: Add Liquids : Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings : Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Step 6: Add Spinach : Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt gently in the sauce for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice for brightness.
  • Step 7: Combine and Finish : Return the seared salmon to the pan, spooning the sauce over each fillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Step 8: Serve : Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, and lemon wedges.