Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine

Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is a rich, elegant dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce loaded with fresh spinach. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

I first made this when I wanted something quick yet indulgent, and it instantly became a favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and a hint of lemon, paired beautifully with the buttery salmon, while the spinach added a fresh, earthy balance. The result was a dish that felt both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy night in.

What’s great about Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is its versatility. You can swap in sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, add mushrooms for more depth, or serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this creamy, flavor-packed dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Date nights
• Special occasions
• Seafood lovers
• Keto and low-carb diets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: A luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce coats every bite.
• Tender, Flaky Salmon: Perfectly seared salmon fillets stay moist and flavorful.
• One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup makes this dish even more appealing.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and vitamins from spinach.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Feels like an upscale meal without the hefty price tag.
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: A satisfying meal that fits well into low-carb diets.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust seasonings, add mushrooms, or swap greens.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Even non-seafood lovers will enjoy its creamy, comforting flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, indulgent sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
• Spinach: Provides a boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances flavors with a bright, citrusy note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Salmon:

1. Season the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Flip and Cook: Turn the fillets over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Florentine Sauce:

4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream, parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes (if using), cooking until spinach wilts.

Combine and Serve:

7. Return Salmon to Pan: Nestle the salmon fillets back into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Let simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Serve Hot: Plate the salmon with sauce and enjoy with your favorite sides.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine:

• Over Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or linguine for a classic pairing.
• With Rice: Pair with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• Alongside Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the rich sauce.
• With Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• Over Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb alternative.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• On a Bed of Quinoa: Adds protein and texture to the meal.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or basil for extra flavor.
• As a Fancy Brunch Dish: Serve with poached eggs and toast for a special brunch option.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Salmon – Opt for fresh, skinless salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Season Generously – Enhance the flavor by seasoning the salmon with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or lemon zest before searing.
• Sear for a Golden Crust – Sear the salmon over medium-high heat to develop a beautiful golden crust before setting it aside for the creamy sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon – Cook the fillets until just opaque in the center to keep them tender and juicy. They will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
• Use Heavy Cream for Richness – For an ultra-creamy sauce, stick with heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
• Deglaze the Pan – After searing the salmon, use a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the flavorful bits before adding garlic and spinach.
• Let the Spinach Wilt Naturally – Add fresh baby spinach at the end, letting the residual heat gently wilt it without overcooking.
• Balance the Flavors – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Serve with Complementary Sides – Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make It Your Own – Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Garlic Butter Salmon Florentine – Sauté the salmon in garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Lemon Herb Florentine – Add fresh lemon zest and a sprinkle of chopped dill or parsley for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Spicy Cajun Florentine – Season the salmon with Cajun or Creole spices and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Tuscan Salmon – Replace the spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and add a splash of white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Cheesy Florentine – Stir in shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or Gruyère cheese into the creamy sauce for a luscious, cheesy upgrade.
• Mushroom Florentine – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for extra umami and heartiness.
• Keto & Low-Carb Florentine – Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use ghee or avocado oil instead of butter for a keto-friendly version.
• Pasta-Style Florentine – Serve the creamy salmon over cooked fettuccine, linguine, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.
• Dairy-Free Florentine – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Beef Bacon-Wrapped Salmon Florentine – Wrap the salmon fillets in beef bacon before cooking, adding a smoky, savory depth to the dish.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For cooking the salmon and making the sauce.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping salmon fillets.
• Microplane or Grater: For freshly grating parmesan cheese.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
• Lemon Zester: Optional for adding fresh lemon zest.
• Serving Platter: For an elegant presentation.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?
   Keep the heat on low and stir continuously while adding cream.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   You can, but the sauce will be thinner—consider adding a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
   Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
6. Can I use another fish?
   Yes! Trout, cod, or halibut work well with this sauce.
7. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   Add more parmesan or mix in some shredded mozzarella.
8. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! Just ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free.
9. How can I make it more lemony?
   Add extra lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavor.
10. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    The sauce can be made ahead, but cook the salmon fresh for the best texture.

Conclusion

Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is a rich and elegant dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce packed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The velvety sauce perfectly complements the buttery salmon, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Every bite is a delicious mix of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.

This dish is easy to customize—add a splash of white wine for depth, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

I can’t wait to see how your Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!