Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it offers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. The garlic butter lays down a comforting base, while the mushrooms soak in all that richness. The fresh spinach gives it a pop of color and nutrients, and the Parmesan cheese and cream transform everything into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the salmon. It’s the kind of meal I can make for myself on a Tuesday night or serve to guests on a Saturday—and it works beautifully either way.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon
Salmon fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil

For the Sauce
Unsalted butter, divided
Garlic, minced
Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
Fresh spinach
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper. I let them sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil with half of the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and foams slightly, I know it’s ready.

3. I place the salmon fillets in the skillet (skin-side down if they have skin) and cook them undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to get a golden sear. Then I flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the fish flakes easily. I set the cooked salmon aside.

4. I reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Then I add the garlic and mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and tender.

5. I add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts down, about 2 minutes.

6. I pour in the heavy cream, stirring as I bring it to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes to blend all the flavors.

7. I stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for another 3–4 minutes until it thickens.

8. I return the salmon to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over each fillet. I warm everything together for 2–3 minutes.

9. I garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve it hot, letting the creamy sauce and rich flavors take center stage.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

There are plenty of ways I like to adjust this dish to keep it exciting:

• I substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still feels rich and satisfying.

• I sometimes swap the mushrooms for zucchini or asparagus, depending on what’s in season.

• If I want extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• I’ve also used shrimp instead of salmon for a fun twist—it works beautifully with the same sauce.

Storage/Reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the salmon and sauce over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. I avoid using the microwave if I can, as it can make the salmon dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking. That helps the salmon sear properly and keeps the sauce from becoming watery.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted veggies or rice work great too.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the sauce and cook the mushrooms/spinach ahead, but I like to cook the salmon fresh so it stays perfectly flaky.

How can I lighten up the sauce?

Using half-and-half or a mix of cream and chicken broth works well. Coconut milk also provides a lighter, dairy-free alternative without losing creaminess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but I always check my Parmesan and seasoning blends to be sure.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms is my kind of comfort food—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, all from a single skillet. It’s fast, easy, and adaptable, making it perfect for both hectic weekdays and special dinners. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan over flaky salmon and tender vegetables is the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being fussy. I always come back to this one when I want a dinner that delivers big satisfaction with little effort.