This Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
 
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
 - 1 cup heavy cream
 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
For Garnish:
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
 - Fresh parsley, chopped
 
Directions
1️⃣ For the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
 - Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
 
2️⃣ For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
 - Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
 - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
 - Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
 - Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
 
3️⃣ To Serve:
- Place the pan-seared salmon fillets on plates.
 - Spoon the creamy Florentine sauce over the top.
 - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
 
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily, it’s cooked through.
 - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well before chopping.
 - Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
 
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
 - A crusty piece of bread or garlic bread can help soak up the delicious sauce.
 
FAQs
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. - Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Yes, you can use kale or Swiss chard as an alternative. - How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon. 
Serving Size
- Makes 4 servings.
 
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
 - Cooking Time: 20 minutes
 - Total Time: 30 minutes
 
This Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delightful and sophisticated dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy the delicate flavors of the salmon paired with the rich, creamy sauce!
Recipe Card

Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce
This Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, creamy sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- – 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
 - – Salt and pepper to taste
 - – 2 tablespoons olive oil
 
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 - – 3 cloves garlic minced
 - – 1 small onion finely chopped
 - – 1 cup heavy cream
 - – 1/2 cup chicken broth
 - – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 - – 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
 - – 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
 - – Salt and pepper to taste
 
For Garnish:
- – Fresh lemon juice optional, for serving
 - – Fresh parsley chopped
 
Instructions
For the Salmon:
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
 - Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
 
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
 - Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
 - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
 - Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
 - Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
 
To Serve:
- Place the pan-seared salmon fillets on plates.
 - Spoon the creamy Florentine sauce over the top.
 - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.