Indulge in the rich flavors of this Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce, a dish that perfectly balances the crispy sear of salmon with the luscious, garlicky spinach-infused sauce. This restaurant-quality meal is easy to prepare at home, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of flaky salmon and a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps achieve a crispy exterior when searing.
- Sear the Salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the spinach wilt and blend into the sauce for another 2 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Salmon & Sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy Florentine sauce over the top. Let them heat for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Garnish: Plate the salmon with a generous amount of sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.