Zesty Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms Recipe

Creamy garlic butter salmon emerges as a luxurious weeknight dinner that promises elegant simplicity.

Succulent fish fillets nestle into a rich, velvety sauce bursting with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach.

Mediterranean herbs dance through the dish, creating layers of complex flavor.

Perfectly seared salmon transforms into a restaurant-quality meal you can craft in minutes.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Expect a balanced combination of protein, greens, and indulgent sauce that feels both healthy and decadent.

Trust me – this meal will become your new favorite go-to dinner solution.

Why Garlic Butter Salmon Is Rich and Elegant

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary skills required.
• Create Quick Weeknight Magic: Perfect for busy households, this dish delivers maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting spice levels, adding favorite herbs, or swapping protein options.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Meal: Packed with protein from salmon, vitamins from spinach, and nutrients from mushrooms, making it a balanced and healthy dinner choice.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon With Creamy Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that creates the main protein base of this delicious dish.

• Spinach, Mushrooms: Green leafy vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor complementing the salmon.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, intense flavor to the entire dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and additional savory flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty and nutty dimension to the creamy sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a tangy and slightly sharp undertone to balance the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Lemon: Adds bright, fresh citrus notes to cut through the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh herbal garnish and color contrast.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the salmon and prevents sticking to the pan.

How to Make Salmon With Spinach and Mushrooms

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over salmon fillets to awaken their flavor.

Step 2: Golden Salmon Magic

Carefully place salmon fillets into the hot skillet. Let them dance and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and fish is perfectly cooked through.

Gently transfer salmon to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Aromatic Garlic Butter Moment

In the same sizzling pan, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let the garlic release its intoxicating aroma for about 30 seconds, filling your kitchen with incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Mushroom and Spinach Symphony

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the pan and let them soften and caramelize for 3-4 minutes.

Fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them beautifully wilt and transform.

Step 5: Crafting the Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

• Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors.

Step 6: Reunite and Warm

Tenderly return salmon fillets to the pan, lovingly coating them with the luscious sauce. Allow everything to warm together for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, sprinkle chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Prepare for a culinary adventure that will delight your senses.

Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Salmon and Sauce

• Choose high-quality, bright-colored salmon fillets without discoloration for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch salmon carefully while searing to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the fish during cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for deeper, more authentic flavor profile.
• Add chopped parsley just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste sensation.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal heat preference for a customized dining experience.

Creative Ways to Serve This Salmon Entrée

• Herb-Crusted Salmon Variation: Coat salmon with a mixture of fresh dill, parsley, and breadcrumbs before searing for added texture and herbal flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add kalamata olives to the creamy sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Asian Fusion: Swap Dijon mustard with sriracha, add ginger and soy sauce to the creamy sauce, and top with green onions for an Asian-inspired profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and increase butter content to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrates.

What Goes With Salmon, Spinach, and Mushrooms

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich garlic butter salmon, cutting through the creamy sauce with its bright, acidic notes.
• Enhance with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus spears provide a subtle earthy crunch that matches the mushroom and spinach flavors, creating a balanced side dish.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme adds a nutty texture that beautifully supports the salmon's delicate protein.
• Refresh with Citrus Sparkling Water: A zesty, effervescent drink with a slice of lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's creamy and garlicky elements.

Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Salmon Entrée

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the salmon from the sauce to prevent soggy texture.

Carefully place cooled salmon and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach for best quality.

Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, typically 1-2 minutes total.

Gently warm salmon in a skillet over low heat with a little extra cream or broth. Stir sauce carefully to prevent breaking, heating slowly for about 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder flavor profile.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Garlic Butter Salmon With Spinach & Mushrooms In Creamy Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory garlic butter salmon dances with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach in a luscious creamy sauce. Rich flavors and elegant presentation make this dish a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Elevate a large skillet to medium-high temperature and drizzle with olive oil, preparing a golden surface for the salmon fillets.
2. Generously season salmon with salt and black pepper, then carefully position in the hot skillet, creating a beautiful sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a rich golden crust develops and fish is perfectly cooked through.
3. Transfer salmon to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful pan for the upcoming sauce creation.
4. Reduce heat and introduce butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt smoothly while adding minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Incorporate sliced mushrooms, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and develop a rich, caramelized texture.
6. Gently fold fresh spinach into the mushroom mixture, watching it wilt and transform into a vibrant, tender green component.
7. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking simultaneously with Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
8. Allow sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening and concentrating its complex flavors.
9. Carefully nestle salmon fillets back into the skillet, delicately coating them with the creamy sauce and warming for an additional 2 minutes.
10. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkling chopped parsley, creating a bright, herbaceous finale before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose salmon fillets with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Reduce heat when adding cream-based sauce to prevent separation and maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg