This Salmon Florentine is a treat for your taste buds! It features tender salmon with fresh spinach, all topped with a creamy, garlicky sauce that makes every bite a joy.
If you love garlic, this dish will have you smiling! I find it pairs perfectly with some warm bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking to save some time, frozen salmon works well too. Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture if you use frozen.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms, but you can swap them for button mushrooms or even shiitake if you want a bit more flavor. Just slice them up and you’re good to go!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can work as substitutes. Keep in mind, coconut cream may add a slight coconut flavor.
Pasta: I use wide egg noodles for a classic touch, but any pasta you like will do! Penne or fettuccine would be great choices too.
How Do You Get the Salmon Just Right?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be a challenge, but a few tips can make it easy:
- Start with room temperature salmon for even cooking. Let it sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the salmon. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cooking skin-side down first allows the skin to get crispy. Keep an eye on it, flipping it halfway through.
- Don’t flip too early! Wait until it naturally releases from the pan. It should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have salmon that’s juicy and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🐟✨
Salmon Florentine With Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For The Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For The Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For Serving:
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- 6 ounces wide egg noodles or pasta of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, cooking skin-side down if they have skin, for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn golden and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender. After that, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss them to ensure they’re coated in the creamy sauce. Plate the noodles and sauce, then place a cooked salmon fillet on top of each serving. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh chives for an extra pop of flavor.
Enjoy your rich and creamy Salmon Florentine with Garlic Cream Sauce, served with love!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, for a dairy-free option, try coconut cream—it adds a unique flavor to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just ensure they are sliced appropriately and sauté them until tender before adding the cream.
