Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms

This creamy garlic salmon recipe is the ultimate answer when you’re craving a meal that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy — but without the fuss. It’s an elegant, one-pan dish that delivers rich flavor, velvety texture, and wholesome satisfaction in under 30 minutes.

Pan-seared salmon fillets are nestled in a luxurious garlic cream sauce with tender mushrooms and fresh spinach. Every bite balances buttery salmon with earthy vegetables and fragrant herbs, proving that a gourmet dinner can be quick, simple, and absolutely delicious.

🧈 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan, minimal cleanup — Everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Ready in 20 minutes — Perfect for weeknights.
• Restaurant-quality flavor — Creamy, garlicky, and beautifully balanced.
• Flexible and customizable — Easy to adapt for dairy-free, low-carb, or spicy variations.

🐟 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🍳 How to Make Creamy Garlic Salmon

Step 1: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
3. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, melt butter.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
2. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Return the salmon to the pan.
2. Spoon the creamy sauce over the fillets.
3. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad.

⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽 Servings: 2
⚡ Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

🌿 Variations

• Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• No Mushrooms? Use asparagus or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, colorful twist.
• Protein Swap: Replace salmon with chicken breasts or shrimp—just adjust searing time accordingly.
• Herb Upgrade: Add fresh dill or tarragon at the end for a more aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and unsweetened cashew or oat cream.
• Zesty Touch: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a few capers before serving to cut through the richness.

💡 Pro Tips

• Perfect Sear: Always pat salmon dry before seasoning. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the fillets — this ensures a crisp, golden crust.
• Don’t Overmove the Fish: Let the salmon sear undisturbed before flipping once.
• Sauce Consistency:
  • If too thin → simmer a bit longer.
  • If too thick → whisk in a splash of broth or cream.
• Mise en Place: Have all ingredients prepped beforehand — this dish cooks fast!
• Serve Immediately: For best texture, serve hot as soon as the sauce thickens.

🧊 How to Store Leftovers

1. Cool Completely: Let the dish cool to room temperature (no more than 2 hours).
2. Store: Transfer to a shallow airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
3. Reheat Gently: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
4. Avoid Freezing: Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy once thawed.

🍋 Serving Ideas

Pair your creamy garlic salmon with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Lemon rice pilaf
• Roasted asparagus
• Buttered noodles
• A simple garden salad

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. It’s fast enough for a weeknight yet refined enough for date night. The rich sauce, tender salmon, and fresh vegetables create a complete, satisfying meal that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this one-pan salmon recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and style — every single time.