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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Spinach Salmon

Close-up of a pan-seared salmon fillet covered in rich, creamy spinach sauce, garnished with chives.

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Cook tender salmon fillets in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, all prepared in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) in the hot skillet. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is crisp or the bottom is golden brown.
  4. Flip the salmon and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese cubes. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts down completely, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  10. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the fish.
  11. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  12. Serve immediately directly from the pan.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce just before returning the salmon to the pan.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the spinach.
  • You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Nutrition