Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that balances richness with freshness, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender salmon fillets, perfectly seared until crisp on the outside and buttery on the inside, nestled in a velvety, garlicky sauce, and surrounded by earthy mushrooms and bright green spinach. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s shockingly simple to make at home, delivering gourmet flavors with minimal fuss—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is all about letting each ingredient shine. Every element has a specific purpose, layering flavor, color, and texture into every bite. Simple ingredients make an extraordinary meal when prepared with care.

• Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for the best flavor and texture; their natural oils bring a lovely richness to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Just a touch is all you need to get that beautiful golden sear on the salmon—and a hint of fruity flavor, too.
• Butter: Brings a luxurious creaminess and rounds out the flavors when sautéing mushrooms and wilted spinach.
• Fresh spinach: A couple of handfuls wilt down into tender greens, adding color and a nutritious lift.
• Mushrooms, sliced: Their earthy, savory notes complement the richness of the salmon beautifully.
• Garlic, minced: The true star of the show—garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and bold flavor.
• Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, silky sauce that clings to every bite.
• Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough, adding depth and dimension without weighing things down.
• Dijon mustard: A teaspoon is enough to wake up the sauce—adding subtle tang and complexity.
• Fresh thyme (or dried): Delivers pops of herbal freshness; fresh is great, but dried works in a pinch!
• Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that make every other flavor sing; adjust to your taste!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

Start with heating olive oil in a sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. The sizzling sound as the fillets hit the pan signals that the magic is starting! Sear each fillet for 4 to 5 minutes per side; you’re aiming for a lovely golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Once they’re perfectly cooked, set them aside on a plate—you’ll finish everything in the same pan for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms & Spinach

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those little brown bits are flavor gold!), melt the butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic, soaking up that dreamy aroma, then the fresh spinach. Stir everything gently until the spinach wilts down, just a minute or two. This mix brings earthiness and a pop of color to your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

It’s time for the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh (or dried) thyme. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, so it reduces and thickens slightly. This is where everything comes together—a creamy, aromatically infused sauce that’s thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Make sure to do a little taste test and adjust the seasoning, because the sauce is what ties the whole dish together!

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Now, gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning that luscious sauce and vegetable mix over the top. Let everything mingle for another minute or two, just to rewarm the salmon and infuse it with flavor. Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms while it’s piping hot—every plate looks like a showstopper, and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme—fresh herbs add a bright, inviting pop of green. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving amplifies the flavors and provides a subtle brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your mood. For something hearty, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice perfectly soak up every drop of sauce. Want something lighter? Try it with a crisp green salad, simple steamed veggies, or a side of warm, crusty bread to swipe through that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! For date-night elegance, serve the salmon fillets over a bed of wilted spinach and mushrooms, then drizzle the sauce on top. Or, for an impressive brunch, spoon the mixture over toasted sourdough or nestle it into a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables. Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms adapts beautifully to any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? No problem! Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring the salmon and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually intensify as they rest, making a fantastic reheated lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

While Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap the salmon tightly and store it (with sauce) in a freezer bag or container for up to one month. For the best texture, try to freeze only the salmon and sauce, since the spinach and mushrooms might become a bit soft when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, using low heat to avoid drying out the salmon and separating the sauce. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Stir gently and heat just until warmed through—your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms will taste just as delightful the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator and pat them dry before searing. This helps achieve that all-important golden crust on your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms.

What kind of mushrooms are best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms all work beautifully. Feel free to mix and match for a blend of textures and earthy flavors in your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms.

Is there a dairy-free option?

If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the butter for olive oil and use a rich coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The result will be a slightly different but still absolutely delicious version of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

You sure can! Sear the salmon and make the sauce and veggies in advance, keeping them separate in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat everything gently and combine just before plating. This ensures your Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms stays fresh and perfectly cooked.

How can I make this lower in calories?

For a lighter take, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter slightly. You’ll still get a luscious result with fewer calories per serving—while maintaining the signature flavors of Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dish that’s downright comforting yet feels special every time, don’t miss out on Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms. It’s easy, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser—just the kind of meal you’ll look forward to making again and again. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

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