Welcome to Patricia Universe, where we turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. I’m Patricia, and today I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite weeknight solutions—a stunning pan-seared salmon with a luscious, creamy Florentine sauce. This recipe proves that easy recipes can be both healthy and elegant. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a special occasion but comes together with minimal effort, this is it. Trust me, this is one of those easy recipes you’ll come back to time and again.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Simple Supper
- The Magic of Florentine Sauce
- A One-Pan Solution
- Choosing the Perfect Salmon
- Tips for a Restaurant-Worthy Sear
- Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Effortless Elegance: Achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes with straightforward instructions.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Lean protein from salmon combines with a creamy, nutrient-rich spinach sauce for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a healthy easy recipe.
- Clean & Simple: This recipe uses just one pan, making cleanup quick and stress-free.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Supper
We all have those days where we want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this dish shines. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. You get crispy, golden salmon with a velvety sauce bursting with garlic and fresh spinach. It’s a classic combination for a reason, and it truly is an uncomplicated recipe that delivers on flavor every single time.
The Magic of Florentine Sauce
Florentine style—which traditionally features spinach—is a timeless way to add elegance and nutrition to a dish. Our version uses a simple, rich base that clings beautifully to the salmon. It’s comforting without being heavy, and the touch of nutmeg adds a subtle, warm depth that makes this sauce unforgettable. It’s the kind of simple recipe component that feels gourmet.
A One-Pan Solution
Let’s talk about the best part for busy cooks: minimal cleanup. Everything from searing the salmon to wilting the spinach and simmering the sauce happens in one single skillet. This “one-pan wonder” method not only saves you time on dishes but also allows all the flavorful browned bits from the salmon to infuse the sauce. If you’re looking for more quick and easy recipes that follow this brilliant, efficient method, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here at Patricia Universe.
Choosing the Perfect Salmon
The star of this show is, of course, the salmon. For the best results, I recommend fresh, skin-on fillets that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. The skin helps protect the delicate flesh during cooking and gets wonderfully crispy. Whether you choose Atlantic, Sockeye, or Coho, look for firm, vibrant flesh with a pleasant, oceanic smell. This choice makes it a fantastic healthy easy recipes option for any night.
Tips for a Restaurant-Worthy Sear
The secret to that perfect, crisp exterior is simple: start with a dry surface and a hot pan. Pat your salmon fillets thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. Heat your oil until it shimmers, then add the fish. Don’t move it! Let it cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust. This technique, central to many of my favorite creamy shrimp pasta recipes easy and other seafood dishes, ensures a textural masterpiece.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This salmon is incredibly versatile. For a light, low-carb meal, serve it as-is with a simple green salad or steamed asparagus. To make it more substantial, it pairs beautifully with roasted baby potatoes, quinoa, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens all the flavors perfectly. It’s an ideal choice for dinner recipes that need to please a crowd or create a romantic meal for two.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Florentine Sauce: A Fast & Healthy Dinner
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on).
- Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden and cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Transfer salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy.
Serve
- Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, or plate the salmon and spoon the sauce generously over the top.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
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