Thank you so much for being here—because this one is truly special. This Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is everything I love in a cozy, weeknight dinner: rich, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Think perfectly seared salmon fillets, nestled into a creamy garlic spinach sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.
And the best part? It all comes together in just one pan, in under 30 minutes. If you love recipes that feel fancy but are secretly easy, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new favorite.
What Is Salmon Florentine?
“Florentine” traditionally means a dish made with creamy spinach, and it’s pure comfort. In this version, we’re pairing flaky, pan-seared salmon with a buttery garlic-parmesan sauce and fresh baby spinach. It’s creamy, savory, and has just the right pop of lemon to keep everything bright and balanced.
It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want to wow—without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic – easy cleanup, big flavor
- Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- Elegant and comforting – date night or family dinner approved
- Rich, creamy, and protein-packed
What Does It Taste Like?
The salmon is golden and tender, the sauce is creamy and garlicky with a hint of nuttiness from the parmesan, and the spinach adds a touch of earthiness. A splash of lemon juice brings everything together and makes the dish feel light—even though it’s wonderfully rich. Every bite is buttery, fresh, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds great flavor!)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
- Spatula or fish turner
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Garlic press or microplane (optional, but handy!)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Swap the salmon: Try it with shrimp, chicken, or white fish
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream + vegan parmesan
- Use kale or arugula instead of spinach
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for extra depth
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes takes it up a notch
How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add spinach to the pan and stir until wilted. Squeeze in lemon juice and add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Return salmon to the pan and spoon sauce over the fillets. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Plate and serve hot with your favorite sides (see below!). Don’t forget extra sauce!
What to Serve with Salmon Florentine
This creamy, comforting main dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- A fresh lemony salad
- Creamy Seafood Linguine for a pasta + seafood feast
- Chicken and Avocado Burrito for a fun surf-and-turf dinner
- Creamy Garlic Salmon – for a side-by-side salmon showdown!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the salmon – It continues cooking in the sauce
- Use fresh spinach – Frozen works, but it won’t be as vibrant
- Add lemon last – Brightens the cream and balances the richness
- Serve right away – It’s best hot and fresh from the pan
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth
- Not freezer-friendly – Cream sauces tend to separate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.
Can I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. It’ll still be creamy, just a bit lighter.
What’s the best substitute for spinach?
Baby kale, chopped Swiss chard, or arugula work great!
Wrap-Up: Easy, Elegant, and Packed with Flavor
This Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine is one of those recipes that feels like a special occasion—yet is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or planning a cozy dinner for two, it brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table.
Looking for more flavorful, feel-good meals? Try these:
- Creamy Seafood Linguine – rich, silky pasta with shrimp and scallops
- Chicken and Avocado Burrito – fast, filling, and great for meal prep
- Creamy Garlic Salmon – another creamy salmon classic you’ll crave on repeat
Let’s Cook Together!
Did you make this Creamy Salmon Florentine? I’d love to see how it turned out! Leave a review and tag your photos on Pinterest at The Kitchen Joyy so we can celebrate your kitchen wins together! 💛🐟🍽️
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g