There are few dishes that make me stop mid-bite and smile the way this Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms does. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing—rich with creamy sauce, layered with garlicky goodness, and dotted with tender mushrooms and bright green spinach.
Before we dive into this comforting skillet creation, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you’ll never miss a recipe like this! You’ll get new recipes straight to your inbox—easy, elegant, and made with love. 💌
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I promised you a one-pan wonder, and here it is! This garlic butter salmon checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.
✨ Quick and easy – Dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
✨ One skillet cleanup – Because nobody wants to scrub pans after a cozy meal.
✨ Rich but balanced – The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with fresh spinach and earthy mushrooms.
✨ Versatile – Elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a quiet night in.
When I first made this dish, it was meant to be a “just another salmon dinner.” But as soon as that creamy garlic aroma filled the kitchen, I knew this recipe was something special.
What Does Garlic Butter Salmon Taste Like?
Think of it as the perfect marriage between comfort and freshness. The salmon is seared until golden and crisp on the outside, then gently nestled into a silky garlic butter sauce that coats every bite. The mushrooms soak up that flavor like little sponges, while the spinach brings a pop of color and lightness that keeps it from feeling heavy.
Every forkful delivers that irresistible contrast—flaky fish, creamy sauce, tender veggies. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen!
Health Benefits
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
- Spinach adds iron, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants.
- Low-carb and gluten-free (and easy to make dairy-free!).
- Protein-rich and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather before you start:
🐟 Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
🍄 Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
🌿 Aromatics & Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing spoon or whisk
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place the salmon skin-side down and let it cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes per side, until the outside is golden and the inside is almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Spinach
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them caramelize—resist the urge to stir too much! After about 3–4 minutes, they’ll be golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the spinach. It will wilt quickly and turn vibrant green.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any golden bits from the pan (they’re flavor gold!). Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and silky.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the sauce. Spoon the creamy mushrooms and spinach over the top and let everything warm through for another minute or two.
Serve immediately—preferably with crusty bread or rice to soak up that gorgeous sauce.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Salmon
This dish shines with simple, complementary sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
- Garlic butter noodles or roasted baby potatoes
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Or simply a slice of rustic bread for dipping!
Recipe Tips
- Dry your salmon thoroughly for the crispiest sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms—let them brown for the best flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the deepest aroma (skip the jarred kind!).
- A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brings the sauce to life.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing—cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Spinach: Swap for kale or Swiss chard.
- Heavy cream: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Salmon: Try shrimp, cod, or chicken breast (adjust cooking time).
- Dijon mustard: Grainy mustard adds a subtle texture twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I get crispy salmon skin?
Dry the fish well, start with a hot pan, and don’t flip too soon!
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.
→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk works great.
→ Can this be meal-prepped?
Absolutely. Store the sauce and salmon separately for best texture when reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Leave a Reply