Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features tender salmon fillets smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with fresh spinach and mushrooms. For another quick meal featuring a creamy sauce, try this Best Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This garlic butter salmon with spinach & mushrooms in creamy sauce combines rich, savory flavors with a velvety texture that makes every bite luxurious.

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/2 pound mushrooms (oyster or button), sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves, loosely packed
• 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is ready about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Clean and slice the mushrooms, and measure out your spinach, minced garlic, butter, and heavy cream. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and fast.

Step 2 — Sear the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side up (if applicable) and sear for 4–5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove to a plate.

The internal temperature should reach 125°F for medium doneness before resting. The salmon will continue to cook slightly after removal.

Step 3 — Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4 — Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring continuously. It will only take 1–2 minutes for the spinach to wilt down completely. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in any remaining butter for extra richness.

Step 6 — Return Salmon and Finish Cooking

Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness (145°F for well-done).

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately while hot, ideally over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	35g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken breast — A lean protein alternative that absorbs the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully while reducing fat content.
• Cod or halibut — Milder white fish options that work wonderfully with the spinach and mushroom combination for a lighter meal.
• Zucchini noodles — Replace the creamy sauce base with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb, vegetable-forward version.
• Coconut milk — Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to create a dairy-free, equally rich and creamy sauce.
• Nutritional yeast — Add to the sauce instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option with a cheesy, umami flavor profile.
• Arrowroot powder — Use instead of flour to thicken the sauce, making this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe completely gluten-free.
• Low-sodium broth — Replace regular broth with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control salt content while maintaining flavor.
• Avocado oil — Substitute for butter when sautéing for a higher smoke point and heart-healthy fat alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair it with a crisp, acidic side like a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
• For a low-carb option, serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.
• This elegant dish is perfect for a date night at home or a special occasion dinner to impress guests.
• For a complete meal, add a crusty baguette or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Plate the salmon fillet atop the spinach and mushrooms, generously spooning the creamy sauce over everything for a beautiful, restaurant-quality presentation.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a twist of black pepper just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

This versatile Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a complete, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and suits both casual and formal dining occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the salmon, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook skin-side down first until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for a moist, flaky result.
• Mistake: Adding spinach too early, causing it to become slimy. Fix: Wilt the spinach at the very end, just before serving, to retain texture and color.
• Mistake: Using cold butter, which can cause the sauce to break. Fix: Use room-temperature butter and add it gradually off the heat for a smooth, emulsified sauce.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan with mushrooms, leading to steaming instead of browning. Fix: Cook mushrooms in a single layer in batches to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Mistake: Not patting the salmon dry, resulting in poor searing and excess moisture. Fix: Thoroughly dry the salmon fillets with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
• Mistake: Over-reducing the creamy sauce, making it too thick and salty. Fix: Simmer gently and adjust seasoning after the sauce has slightly thickened.
• Mistake: Using pre-minced garlic, which can burn easily and taste bitter. Fix: Freshly mince garlic cloves and add them briefly to the butter to release flavor without burning.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting step for the salmon, causing juices to run out. Fix: Let the salmon rest for 3–5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices throughout the fillet.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before storing.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered, until heated through to 165°F. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened.

Proper storage keeps your Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce safe and delicious for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments. For another quick seafood favorite, check out our Baked Cajun Shrimp Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents the creamy sauce from becoming watery.

What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are excellent choices for this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce. They hold their shape well and absorb the rich, buttery flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Be careful not to overcook it, as the creamy sauce helps keep the fish moist and tender.