Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

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A Luxurious, Weeknight-Worthy Meal That’s Ready in Minutes

When it comes to easy gourmet dinners that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, few dishes can rival garlic butter salmon in a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. This recipe pairs flaky, seared salmon fillets with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and a decadent white wine–infused cream sauce that’s bound to impress.

Whether you’re making a romantic dinner for two, a comforting solo meal, or a classy weeknight entrĂ©e, this dish delivers flavor and finesse in every bite. The best part? It all comes together in under 35 minutes with just one skillet.

 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)

For two servings, here’s everything you need:

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (approximately 3 cups)

  • 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 cups, loosely packed)

  • ½ cup light cream (or substitute heavy cream for a richer sauce)

  • ¼ cup white wine (or use chicken broth as a substitute)

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Olive oil, for cooking

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

 Calories

  • Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on light cream and pan-seared salmon)

 How to Prepare Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

  • Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture ensures a better sear.

  • Season each side generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  • Let the salmon rest at room temperature while you prep the vegetables.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, it’s ready.

  • Carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet skin-side down (if using skin-on).

  • Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You want a crisp, golden crust while keeping the center moist and tender.

  • Once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

  • Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Once the mushrooms are golden and caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and sautĂ© for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the mushrooms.

  • Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and any excess water has evaporated.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour in ¼ cup of white wine (or chicken broth). Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the skillet by scraping up the brown bits—this adds amazing flavor.

  • Stir in the lemon juice and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

  • Add the light cream and gently stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.

  • Stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

  • Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach and mushrooms.

  • Spoon the sauce over the salmon.

  • Simmer on low for 1–2 minutes to reheat the salmon without overcooking.

  • Garnish with extra parsley or a twist of lemon zest if desired.

  • Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.

 Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon Every Time

 Ingredient Tips

  • Salmon: Choose fillets that are uniform in size for even cooking. Skin-on salmon offers a crispy texture and helps hold the fillet together, but skinless works perfectly too.

  • Mushrooms: Cremini, baby bella, or white button mushrooms all work well. Clean them with a damp paper towel instead of rinsing under water to prevent sogginess.

  • Cream: Light cream keeps the sauce from being too heavy, but heavy cream makes it luxuriously rich. Use what suits your taste or dietary preference.

  • Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds depth. If you’re alcohol-free, substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth.

 Cooking Tips

  • Get a proper sear: Always let your skillet and oil heat fully before adding the salmon. A good sear locks in moisture and builds flavor.

  • Deglaze properly: Those browned bits at the bottom of the skillet (called fond) are flavor gold. Use wine or broth to lift them into the sauce.

  • Control the heat: Avoid boiling the cream sauce. A gentle simmer thickens without curdling.

  • Avoid overcooking: Salmon continues to cook even after removing from heat. Pull it at 145°F for the best texture.

 Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with starches: Serve with mashed potatoes, orzo, or creamy polenta.

  • Go low-carb: Try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

  • Make it brunch: Serve over toasted sourdough with a poached egg on top.

 Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat gently: Use low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out the salmon.

  • Not freezer-friendly: Due to the cream sauce and spinach, freezing may cause texture changes.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Elegant but effortless – It’s gourmet enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight.

  • One-pan magic – Less cleanup, more flavor.

  • Balanced nutrition – Omega-3-rich salmon, iron-packed spinach, and mushroom umami.

  • Flexible – Swap ingredients based on what you have, from protein to veggies.

 Nutritional Insight (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 450 kcal

  • Protein: 30g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 6g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 320mg

  • Sugars: 1g

Final Thoughts

Garlic butter salmon with spinach and mushrooms in creamy sauce is the kind of dish that impresses without the stress. In just about half an hour, you can sit down to a plate of beautifully cooked salmon surrounded by a velvety, herb-infused cream sauce that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning the ropes, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again—each time discovering new ways to make it your own.

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