Name: Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a rich, comforting, and restaurant-quality dish that comes together effortlessly in one pan. The seared salmon fillets are infused with garlic and butter, nestled among tender sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach, and all smothered in a luscious cream sauce. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines simplicity and decadence in every bite. The pan-seared salmon gets perfectly crispy edges while staying juicy and tender inside. The mushrooms add an earthy depth, and the spinach brings freshness and color. What really ties it all together is that luxurious creamy garlic butter sauce that coats everything beautifully. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal—less cleanup and more flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic, minced
Mushrooms, sliced
Fresh spinach
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
Lemon juice (optional for a zesty touch)

directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I sear the salmon fillets skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Then, I add in the mushrooms and cook until they’re golden brown and tender.
I toss in the spinach and cook just until it wilts.
I pour in the heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
I return the salmon fillets to the pan, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another minute or two.
If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright pop of flavor before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a more robust texture. For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan. I also like to add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor, or red pepper flakes when I want a little heat. If I don’t have fresh salmon, I’ve also made this recipe with trout or even cod with great results.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving the salmon as it can dry out—reheating slowly helps preserve its tenderness.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

I look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and have an opaque center. Overcooked salmon becomes dry, so I aim for a slightly pink center if I’m going for medium doneness.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, I’ve used frozen salmon successfully. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear.

What can I serve with this dish?

I often serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, especially if I skip the Parmesan or use a keto-approved cheese.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture, but I sometimes prepare the sauce and veggies ahead, then quickly sear the salmon and combine everything when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something fast, flavorful, and a little fancy. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavors, yet still fresh and balanced. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself to a great meal, this dish always hits the mark.