Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish to whip up on a cozy evening: *pan seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce*! Seriously, every time I make this, the delightful aroma of garlic and sautéed spinach fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dig in. The combination of the perfectly seared salmon paired with that rich, velvety sauce is just divine—it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
What I love most is how simple yet elegant this dish is. The salmon gets that gorgeous crispy skin while staying tender and flaky on the inside, and then you top it off with a luscious creamy sauce that’s loaded with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion! Plus, it all comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I remember the first time I served this to friends, their eyes lit up with each bite—it was pure magic! So, let’s dive into this recipe, and I promise you’ll be just as enchanted as I am.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (packed, because who doesn’t love a little extra greens?)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (this is what makes that sauce so silky and dreamy)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real deal adds such depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that perfect sear)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- Salt to taste (just a pinch will do)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked, if possible, for that extra kick)
How to Prepare *Pan Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce*
Season the Salmon
First things first, you’ll want to season those beautiful salmon fillets. Just sprinkle a good amount of salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides. I usually go a little heavier on the seasoning because it really enhances the salmon’s natural flavor. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic starts!
Sear the Salmon
Now, let’s get that pan sizzling! Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers—this is your cue! Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. You should hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook them for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This helps create that gorgeous crispy skin we all love. Once the edges start to turn golden, gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they flake easily with a fork but still look juicy inside. Then, remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Trust me, the aroma is already incredible!
Prepare the Creamy Florentine Sauce
In the same pan (don’t you dare wash it yet—this is where all the flavor is!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Oh wow, just wait until you smell that! Next, toss in the fresh spinach. Cook it until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit. You want it creamy and luscious, perfect for draping over that salmon!
Combine and Serve
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Return the seared salmon to the pan and spoon that heavenly creamy Florentine sauce over the top. Let it bask in the warmth for just a minute to soak up all those flavors. Serve it immediately, maybe over a bed of pasta or with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich, creamy Florentine sauce adds a luxurious touch to the humble salmon.
- Nutrient-packed with fresh spinach and protein-rich salmon.
- Perfectly crispy skin paired with a velvety sauce makes for an irresistible texture contrast.
- Elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a weeknight meal.
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s get you set up for success with this delicious dish! Here are my top tips to make sure your *pan seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce* turns out absolutely perfect every single time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Seriously, opting for fresh spinach and high-quality salmon makes a world of difference in flavor. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch, but fresh just has that vibrant taste and texture that elevates the dish!
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Give the salmon enough time in the pan to develop that beautiful crispy skin. If you try to flip it too soon, it might stick and tear. Patience is key here!
- Check for Perfect Doneness: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still has a bit of translucence in the center. If you’re unsure, a trusty meat thermometer can help—you’re aiming for 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to cut back on the heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that this will change the richness!
- Make it Your Own: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg or some red pepper flakes for an extra kick in the sauce. Customize it according to your taste—this dish loves a little personality!
- Leftover Love: If you have any leftovers, store the salmon and sauce separately to keep the skin crispy. Reheat gently on low heat to keep everything nice and tender!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing yourself and anyone lucky enough to enjoy this meal with you! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
For those who like to keep an eye on their nutrition while enjoying delicious food, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of *pan seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce*. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used, but this will give you a good idea!
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a wholesome option packed with protein and healthy fats. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re taking care of yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I usually let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Keep in mind that fresh salmon tends to have a better texture, but frozen will still get the job done beautifully in this *pan seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce*!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can absolutely substitute heavy cream! Half-and-half works great if you want something still creamy but with less fat. For a healthier twist, you could use Greek yogurt—just stir it in gently after removing the pan from heat to avoid curdling. Coconut cream can also be a delicious alternative if you’re in the mood for a hint of tropical flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just keep the salmon and the creamy Florentine sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the salmon skin crispy and the sauce nice and creamy. They should last for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat on low heat to keep everything tender and delicious. You might even find that the flavors have mingled beautifully overnight!
Pan Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This dish features pan seared salmon topped with a rich and creamy Florentine sauce, combining flavors of spinach and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pan seared salmon, creamy florentine sauce, salmon recipe
