If you’re looking for a meal that feels elegant yet takes minimal effort, this easy creamed spinach salmon is exactly what you need. It combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich, creamy spinach sauce that tastes restaurant-worthy—but comes together in minutes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish delivers on flavor and ease.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This creamed spinach salmon recipe keeps things effortless. The salmon is pan-seared for a golden crust, while the creamy spinach sauce is made in the same skillet—saving time and cleanup. With simple ingredients like garlic, cream, spinach, and seasonings, you can build a luxurious sauce that complements the salmon beautifully.
And since it all comes together in one pan, it’s fast and efficient—perfect for busy nights when you want something special without extra work.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets
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4 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
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½ cup heavy cream
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2 tbsp cream cheese
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2 scallions, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tsp paprika
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¼ tsp red chilli flakes
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
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Rinse the salmon fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with pepper.
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In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and brown on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the scallions for a minute, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the cream, cream cheese, paprika, red chilli flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if using frozen spinach).
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Return the seared salmon to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
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Add lemon juice just before serving. Stir gently and serve hot.
Delicious Salmon Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon fillets
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 medium scallions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red chilli flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add salmon and brown both sides. Remove then set aside.
- Add the scallions and saute for a minute then add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the cream and the spices (paprika, red pepper, salt and pepper)
- Add the spinach to the skillet and sauté until it wilts.
- Place the browned salmon back into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes or until it cooks through
- Serve the salmon hot
Video
Notes
Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach Salmon
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Don’t overcook the salmon – 3 to 4 minutes per side is usually enough, depending on thickness.
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Use frozen spinach if needed, but drain excess water to avoid thinning the sauce.
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Fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and balances the richness.
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Cream cheese helps thicken the sauce while keeping it smooth and luscious.
How to Make It Even Better
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A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the spinach sauce.
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Add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or crumbled bacon give an extra flavor boost.
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Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
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For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Swap the salmon for cod, halibut, or tilapia if you prefer a different type of fish.
Conclusion
This easy creamed spinach salmon proves that delicious, impressive meals don’t need to take hours. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you get a dish that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Try it tonight—you might just find your new favorite dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet to prevent a watery sauce.
2. What can I use instead of salmon in this recipe?
Cod, halibut, tilapia, or even chicken breast are good substitutes. Adjust cooking time based on the protein’s thickness.
3. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream or cashew cream, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
4. What should I serve with creamed spinach salmon?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking—3 to 4 minutes per side is usually enough depending on thickness. The salmon should be just opaque and flaky.
