Looking for a quick, elegant dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is your new go-to weeknight hero. Perfectly seared salmon fillets are nestled in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach — a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes.
🐟 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter, then place the salmon fillets skin-side down.
Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it — those brown bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Pour in the broth and allow it to simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, around 2–3 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
3. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
Let everything warm through for a minute or two.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered pasta
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Warm crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce
💡 Pro Tip:
You can substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken breast, or even tofu for a different protein twist. Don’t forget to finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of brightness!
