If you’re craving something comforting yet elegant, Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce is destined to become a regular at your dinner table. Imagine juicy, golden salmon fillets nestled in a luscious, garlic-infused spinach cream sauce finished with Parmesan—a showstopper that comes together faster than you’d think. This is restaurant-level flavor, but so easy, you’ll be beaming with pride as you slide the skillet onto your own kitchen table.

Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how approachable this ingredient list is: every item is easy to find yet totally essential to the dish’s rich, layered flavor and stunning presentation. Each component has a job here, whether it’s building a velvety sauce or giving the salmon its irresistible crisp finish.

Salmon fillets: Get the freshest you can—these are the star, so their tenderness matters most.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that beautiful sear on the exterior of the salmon.
Salt and pepper: A must for bringing out natural flavors and seasoning every layer.
Garlic powder: Packs a subtle, deep garlic undertone right into the salmon.
Unsalted butter: Makes the sauce ultra-silky and gives it that luxurious finish.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh, they infuse the sauce with savory aroma and punch.
Fresh spinach: Chopped and wilted, spinach provides that vibrant color and classic Florentine feel.
Heavy cream: The ultimate secret to the sauce’s luscious creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Italian seasoning: For that extra herby boost that ties the flavors together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, these warm things up without overpowering.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives freshness and a pop of vibrant green.

How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce

Step 1: Season and Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this is crucial for getting a golden, crispy sear. Then, sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a dusting of garlic powder so every bite is full of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering. Lay the salmon fillets in gently, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon is not just cooked through but also delightfully golden and crispy on the outside. When they’re done, slide them onto a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Florentine Sauce

Turn the skillet’s heat down to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant—this is your flavor-building moment. Add in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s just wilted, turning the sauce a gorgeous green. Now, pour in the heavy cream, stir in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes, then taste and finish with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Salmon and Sauce

Gently place your seared salmon fillets back in the skillet, nestling them into the creamy Florentine sauce. Spoon some sauce over each fillet and give them a minute or two to warm through, soaking up that rich, herby goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a final touch of freshness. Now, you’re ready to present your Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce to some very lucky dinner guests—or just treat yourself!

How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce

Garnishes

A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley gives this dish a bright green pop that complements the creamy sauce and rich salmon. For extra flair, you can also add a fine grating of Parmesan, a sliver of lemon, or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This salmon begs for something that will catch all that glorious sauce. Think fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a swipe of buttery polenta. For lighter fare, pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or blanched asparagus for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce family-style, straight from the skillet, for a cozy, rustic vibe. Or plate each fillet individually with a swirl of sauce and your favorite sides for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Sprinkling microgreens or edible flowers turns weeknight dinner into special occasion magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce, lucky you! Store the cooled salmon and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep garnishes separate and add fresh before serving.

Freezing

While salmon itself freezes quite well, creamy sauces can sometimes separate or lose their silkiness after thawing. If you must freeze, do so with just the cooked salmon fillets, wrapped well. Prepare and add the sauce freshly when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.

Reheating

To gently bring leftovers back to life, reheat the salmon and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to encourage the sauce to emulsify again. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce looks thick. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the salmon and cause the sauce to become oily.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking. This will help you get that golden sear and prevent extra moisture from watering down the sauce.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for a light golden crust on both sides and test the thickest part—it should flake easily with a fork but still be moist and slightly translucent in the center. Salmon cooks fast, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream for the sauce?

You can substitute half-and-half or a light cooking cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. A spoonful of Greek yogurt added at the end can also give creaminess with a tangy twist.

Can I add extra vegetables to the Florentine sauce?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts make wonderful additions. Just sauté them before adding the spinach so everything gets cooked to perfection.

How spicy will the red pepper flakes make the sauce?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick, not overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, use less; if you love heat, add more to taste. You can always sprinkle a bit more on at the table.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Pan-Seared Salmon with a Creamy Florentine Sauce, it’s sure to become one of those treasured recipes you return to again and again. Make it for a cozy weeknight in or impress at your next dinner party—either way, you’ll be amazed at how delicious and easy it is. Go ahead, give it a try, and let this fabulous dish bring a little extra joy to your table!