Creamy Salmon with Spinach and Parmesan

This creamy salmon with spinach and Parmesan recipe is a perfect blend of tender salmon, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety cream sauce. Paired with spaghetti, this dish makes an elegant yet simple dinner that’s both nutritious and indulgent. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and butter creates a delicious sauce that beautifully complements the salmon and spinach. Let’s dive into this quick and satisfying recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

  • Salmon: 4 pieces, skinless, cut into portions
  • Salt: to taste
  • Pepper: to taste
  • Spaghetti: 200 grams (about 7 oz)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 5 cloves, chopped
  • Olive Oil: for frying
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Cream: 250 ml (1 cup)
  • Parmesan: 2 tablespoons, grated
  • Spinach: 100 grams (about 3.5 oz), fresh
  • Lemon Wedges: for garnish

Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to season the pasta. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

2. Prepare the Salmon

  1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the flavor of the salmon and ensures a delicious crust when seared.

3. Fry the Salmon

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Add the seasoned salmon pieces to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Melt the Butter: In the same pan, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and chopped garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for the creamy sauce.

5. Make the Cream Sauce

  1. Add the Cream: Pour 250 ml (1 cup) of cream into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Stir in Parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Add the Spinach

  1. Wilt the Spinach: Add 100 grams (about 3.5 oz) of fresh spinach to the pan. Stir the spinach into the sauce and cook until it is wilted and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.

7. Combine and Serve

  1. Return the Salmon: Place the cooked salmon pieces back into the pan, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Allow the salmon to warm through for a minute.
  2. Serve: Serve the creamy salmon and spinach sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a burst of brightness that complements the richness of the dish.
  3. Enjoy: Enjoy your creamy salmon with spinach and Parmesan immediately, paired with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 2 g
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
  • Sodium: 250 mg

Tips for Perfect Creamy Salmon with Spinach and Parmesan

  • Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon makes a big difference in flavor. If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen salmon that has been thawed properly also works well.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
  • Customize the Greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can substitute with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to cook them until tender.

This creamy salmon with spinach and Parmesan is a quick, easy, and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce and fresh spinach pair beautifully with tender salmon, making every bite a delight. Enjoy making this delicious recipe and savor the flavors of this comforting, homemade meal!