Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

Indulge in Our Simple Salmon Florentine Recipe Tonight

Creamy salmon dances with vibrant spinach in this irresistible salmon Florentine recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

Tender fish nestles among silky, herb-infused sauce, creating a luxurious meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of rich salmon and delicate greens.

The sauce coats every morsel with velvety goodness that melts in your mouth.

Quick and simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Weeknight meals never looked this sophisticated or tasted this delicious.

Prepare to impress with this foolproof culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Salmon Florentine So Comforting

What Makes Salmon Florentine So Comforting
  • This salmon dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Packed with protein from salmon, iron-rich spinach, and calcium from Parmesan, this recipe delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner in one skillet.
  • The single-pan method means less cleanup, faster preparation, and foolproof cooking that works perfectly for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Swap ingredients like mushrooms or add extra spices to make this versatile recipe match your personal taste preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients for Creamy Salmon Florentine

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Rich and tender fish that provides a delicate flavor and healthy protein for the dish.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base for the sauce.
  • Baby Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a bright color to the creamy dish.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful vegetable that enhances the overall depth of the recipe.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Half & Half: Creamy dairy product that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds richness and complexity to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and velvety sauce consistency.
  • Vegetable Oil: Cooking fat used for searing the salmon and preventing sticking.
  • Salt, Red Chili Flakes: Seasonings that provide heat and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright and acidic ingredient that adds freshness and balances the creamy sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Salmon Florentine

Cooking Instructions for Salmon Florentine

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Salmon

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle salmon fillets with:
  • Salt
  • Red chili flakes

Sear salmon for about 5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

Transfer fillets to a plate.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same pan, cook:
  • Finely chopped onion until translucent
  • Minced garlic for 30 seconds
  • Sliced mushrooms until golden and moisture evaporates

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce

Dissolve cornstarch in half & half.

Pour into pan and add Parmesan cheese.

Simmer gently until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Introduce Leafy Greens

Add baby spinach to the sauce.

Stir until wilted.

Season with:
  • Salt
  • Red chili flakes
  • Fresh lemon juice

Mix thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 5: Reunite Salmon with Sauce

Return salmon fillets to pan.

Spoon sauce over top.

Simmer for 1-2 minutes to marry flavors and ensure salmon remains moist and delicious.

Serve hot and enjoy this luxurious seafood experience!

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Florentine Sauce

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Florentine Sauce
  • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Whisk cornstarch slowly into half & half to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too thick.
  • Add spinach at the last moment and stir quickly to prevent overcooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and preventing a soggy texture.
  • Adjust seasoning with fresh lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce, cutting through richness and adding a zesty undertone that complements the salmon.
  • Use medium-high heat and cook salmon just until it flakes easily, ensuring a tender, moist result that doesn't become dry or tough.

Storage and Reheating Advice for Salmon Florentine

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep salmon and sauce together in the container, covering completely to prevent drying out.
  • Transfer cooled salmon and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and seal with a lid. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Gently warm salmon in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of half & half to prevent sauce from separating. Stir carefully to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of liquid to help retain moisture and prevent salmon from becoming tough or rubbery.

What to Pair with Salmon Florentine

  • Pair Luxurious White Wine: Chardonnay perfectly complements the creamy salmon, balancing rich sauce with buttery oak notes and crisp acidity.
  • Enhance with Roasted Asparagus: Tender green asparagus spears provide a fresh, earthy counterpoint to the salmon's richness, adding nutritional balance and textural contrast.
  • Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and dill creates a protein-packed side that absorbs the delicious creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavors.
  • Create Citrus Brightness: Add a small wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over the dish, cutting through the cream and awakening the entire meal's flavor profile with a zesty pop.

Great Variations for Salmon Florentine

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half & half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap cornstarch with xanthan gum for thickening and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's core essence.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking cornstarch and Parmesan cheese labels, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if needed.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or plant-based salmon alternative, pressing and marinating beforehand to enhance texture and absorption of delicious sauce flavors.

FAQs

  • Why use half & half in the sauce?

Half & half provides a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy. It helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the salmon and vegetables, adding depth and luxurious mouthfeel to the dish.

  • Can I substitute salmon with another fish?

Yes, you can use other mild white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. These fish have similar textures and will work well with the creamy Florentine sauce. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red chili flakes, which can be easily adjusted. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them completely. For more heat, add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

  • How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the fish dry and tough. The golden sear and brief simmer in the sauce will help keep it moist and tender.

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Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe

Easy Creamy Salmon Florentine Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Salmon Florentine brings Italian coastal elegance to your dinner table with rich, velvety spinach and tender salmon. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned fish create a luxurious meal that will transport your palate to Mediterranean shores.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
  • 7 ounces (200 g) baby spinach

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 pound (250 g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups half & half
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare salmon by seasoning with salt and red chili flakes. Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat at 375°F.
  2. Sear salmon fillets for 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside on a clean plate.
  3. In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Incorporate sliced mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates and they turn golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Dissolve cornstarch in half & half, then pour into the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt, red chili flakes, and fresh lemon juice.
  7. Return salmon fillets to the pan, gently spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
  8. Serve immediately, ensuring salmon is coated with creamy spinach sauce.

Notes

  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best results.
  • Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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