Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

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Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

This creamy garlic salmon recipe is the perfect answer to the dilemma of wanting a meal that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy without requiring hours of complex preparation. It elegantly combines pan-seared salmon fillets with a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce, creating a harmonious, **one-pan dish** that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

20 min Prep & Cook Time
~450 kcal Calories
2 Servings

Ingredients

  • **2** salmon fillets
  • **1 tbsp** olive oil
  • **2 tbsp** butter
  • **2 cups** fresh spinach
  • **1 cup** mushrooms, sliced
  • **3 cloves** garlic, minced
  • **½ cup** heavy cream
  • **¼ cup** chicken broth
  • **1 tsp** Dijon mustard
  • **1 tsp** fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Sear the SalmonHeat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and black pepper. Sear for **4-5 minutes per side** until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms & SpinachIn the same pan, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
  3. Prepare the SaucePour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir well and let simmer for **2-3 minutes**, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine & ServeReturn the salmon to the pan, spooning the creamy sauce over the fillets. Serve hot with your favorite side—mashed potatoes, rice, or a light salad.

Variations

  • For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with **full-fat coconut milk** for a subtle tropical flavor.
  • Replace mushrooms with **asparagus** or **sun-dried tomatoes** for a different texture and a bright, tangy note.
  • The protein can be easily swapped for **chicken breasts** or large **shrimp**; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a more herbaceous profile, stir in a tablespoon of fresh **dill or tarragon** at the end.
  • Add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a dash of hot sauce for a welcome spicy kick.
  • Garnish with **toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts** for a crunchy texture.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based butter and replace the heavy cream with an unsweetened, unflavored **cashew or oat cream**.
  • Add a teaspoon of **capers** or a squeeze of **fresh lemon juice** for a delightful burst of acidity.

Tips for Success

  • **Achieving a Perfect Sear:** Pat the salmon fillets completely **dry** before seasoning, and ensure the oil is **shimmering hot** before adding the fish. Resist the urge to move them; let them develop a full sear before flipping once.
  • **Adjusting Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thin, allow it to reduce for another minute. If too thick, whisk in a small additional splash of chicken broth or cream.
  • **Mise en Place:** Have your chosen side dish prepared and all ingredients **prepped and measured** before you begin. This recipe comes together very quickly!

How to Store & Reheat

  • **Storage:** Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature (no more than two hours). Transfer to a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate for up to **2 days**.
  • **Reheating:** Gently warm in a **covered skillet over low heat**, adding a small splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. If microwaving, use **50% power** in short 30-second bursts to prevent the sauce from breaking.
  • **Freezing is NOT Recommended:** Cream-based sauces and cooked salmon will likely separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing.

This creamy garlic salmon is a quintessential example of a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare at home. Its consistent results and crowd-pleasing sauce are sure to make it a regular in your culinary rotation.

 

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