This Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1️⃣ For the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ To Serve:
- Place the pan-seared salmon fillets on plates.
- Spoon the creamy Florentine sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it’s cooked through.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well before chopping.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- A crusty piece of bread or garlic bread can help soak up the delicious sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. - Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Yes, you can use kale or Swiss chard as an alternative. - How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Serving Size
- Makes 4 servings.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delightful and sophisticated dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy the delicate flavors of the salmon paired with the rich, creamy sauce!
Recipe Card
Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
This Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- – 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 small onion finely chopped
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1/2 cup chicken broth
- – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- – 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- – Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- – Fresh lemon juice optional, for serving
- – Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
For the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve:
- Place the pan-seared salmon fillets on plates.
- Spoon the creamy Florentine sauce over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.