Zesty Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce Recipe

Salmon takes center stage in this mouthwatering pan-seared salmon with a creamy florentine sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

Rich and velvety, the sauce envelops each perfectly cooked fish fillet with layers of elegant flavor.

Tender spinach nestles beneath the salmon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The delicate fish practically melts in your mouth, while the sauce adds a luxurious touch to every bite.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, this recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece and savor every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Used In Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and better texture; look for bright, firm flesh without discoloration.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that create a robust base flavor for the salmon.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, salty dimension that elevates the creamy sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty element that cuts through richness and enhances overall dish brightness.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve perfect golden-brown sear on salmon and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Creates silky, luxurious base for the Florentine sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
• Chopped Spinach: Introduces vibrant color, nutrition, and earthy undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative garnish that adds fresh visual appeal.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of color and subtle herbaceous finish.

Essentials For Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Large Skillet: Essential for perfectly searing salmon and creating the creamy sauce.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying salmon fillets to achieve a crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Spatula: Perfect for flipping salmon and stirring the sauce smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season and measure ingredients like garlic powder and salt.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping spinach, mincing garlic, and slicing lemon garnish.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Cooking Steps For Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Salmon Preparation

Gently dry the salmon, letting the natural flavors shine. A light sprinkle of seasoning will awaken the fish’s delicate profile.

• Sizzling Skillet Magic

Create a golden landscape in your pan, transforming the salmon into a crispy masterpiece. Watch the edges turn a gorgeous amber, signaling the perfect sear.

• Florentine Elegance

Craft a velvety sauce that dances with creamy richness. Garlic whispers its aromatic secrets while spinach adds a vibrant green embrace. The sauce will shimmer with subtle complexity.

• Culinary Finale

Nestle the salmon back into the silky sauce, allowing the flavors to intertwine. A final garnish of bright herbs and citrus will elevate this dish from simple meal to gastronomic experience. Serve immediately, letting each bite tell a story of oceanic delight.

Helpful Tips For Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Perfect Salmon Searing Secrets: Master the art of crispy, golden salmon by ensuring your fillets are completely dry before cooking. Moisture prevents that coveted crisp exterior.
• Doneness Pro Tip: Check salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, flaky fish without drying out. Use a meat thermometer for precision cooking.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly Florentine sauce that maintains rich, creamy flavor.
• Omega-3 Boost: Choose wild-caught salmon varieties like sockeye or king salmon for higher nutrient density and more robust flavor profile. Wild salmon typically contains more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids compared to farm-raised options.
• Herb Infusion Hack: Experiment with fresh herb combinations like dill, tarragon, or thyme instead of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs elevate the sauce's complexity and add vibrant, aromatic notes to the creamy Florentine base.

Ways To Serve Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Elegant Plating Paradise: Arrange salmon on a pristine white plate, generously drizzling the creamy Florentine sauce in an artistic swirl around the fillet for restaurant-quality presentation.
• Complementary Side Companions: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic-herb quinoa, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, creamy salmon and create a complete meal that delights every taste bud.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the sauce's richness and enhance the delicate salmon flavors, transforming your dinner into a gourmet experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or dill just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and elevate the dish's aromatic profile with minimal effort.

Storage Plan For Pan-Seared Salmon With A Creamy Florentine Sauce

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftover salmon and sauce in separate airtight containers. Consume within 23 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Gently warm salmon in a skillet with a splash of cream to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave to prevent tough, dry texture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap cooled salmon individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Keeps well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare salmon and sauce components ahead of time. Keep sauce and fish separate until serving to maintain crispy salmon skin and fresh flavors. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning.

Succulent Salmon With A Florentine Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent pan-seared salmon with a creamy Florentine sauce elevates home cooking with Italian-inspired elegance. Delicate fish meets rich spinach sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Salmon Preparation: Pat salmon fillets dry and season comprehensively with garlic powder, salt, and pepper across both surfaces.
2. Searing Technique: Heat skillet on medium-high with olive oil, carefully place salmon skin-side up to develop golden crust for 4-5 minutes, creating caramelized exterior.
3. Cooking Completion: Flip salmon, continue cooking 3-4 minutes until fish reaches perfect flaky consistency, then transfer to warm plate.
4. Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing rich flavor profile.
5. Spinach Integration: Add spinach to skillet, stirring until leaves wilt and transform into tender green component of sauce.
6. Sauce Development: Pour heavy cream, introduce Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice, creating smooth, harmonious blend while gently simmering.
7. Sauce Refinement: Thicken sauce to velvety consistency, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
8. Final Assembly: Return salmon to skillet, delicately coating fillets with creamy Florentine sauce and warming through for one minute.
9. Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley, serving immediately with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Pat Salmon Dry: Remove excess moisture completely to ensure a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior when searing, preventing steaming and promoting ideal caramelization.
• Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high temperature for salmon searing to achieve a beautifully crisp crust without overcooking the delicate fish interior.
• Cream Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently and stir constantly to prevent separation or burning, creating a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the salmon.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative while maintaining creamy sauce quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg