Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

Salmon is one of those ingredients that feels both luxurious and approachable. When paired with earthy mushrooms, tender spinach, and a silky garlic butter cream sauce, it becomes a restaurant-worthy dinner that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. This Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is the perfect recipe for weeknights when you want something quick yet elegant, or for special occasions when you’re looking to impress.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make this dish step-by-step, share tips for getting perfectly cooked salmon, and explore side dish ideas that round out the meal beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and fresh elements. The buttery garlic sauce clings to the salmon and vegetables, creating a creamy coating that’s indulgent without being too heavy. Spinach brings a vibrant pop of color and nutrients, while mushrooms add a deep umami note.

If you enjoy seafood dinners like Asian Glazed Salmon or Creamy Salmon Spinach Pasta, this recipe will quickly earn a top spot in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of what makes this dish so flavorful:

• Salmon fillets – skin-on for crispy texture, or skinless if you prefer.
• Fresh spinach – baby spinach works best for quick wilting.
• Mushrooms – cremini, baby bella, or button mushrooms.
• Butter – for richness and to create the garlic base.
• Garlic – freshly minced for maximum aroma.
• Heavy cream – to give the sauce its velvety texture.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – for added depth of flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – grated, to thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Seasonings – salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper for heat.

For those who love experimenting with seafood, you can also try incorporating scallops as seen in our Seared Scallop Bowls for a surf-and-surf twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 4–5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Add spinach and cook just until wilted.

This method of layering flavors is similar to the technique used in our Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Risotto, where vegetables are cooked slowly to develop depth.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

If you enjoy creamy, comforting sauces, you might also like our Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for a poultry-based variation.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom-spinach sauce over the top. Let them warm through for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or plate individually for a more formal look.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce

• Choose the right salmon – Wild-caught salmon has a deeper flavor, while farm-raised is milder and more buttery.
• Don’t overcook – Salmon is best when it flakes easily but is still slightly pink in the center.
• Use fresh garlic – Pre-minced garlic can be convenient, but fresh will give the most fragrant results.
• Balance the sauce – If it feels too rich, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

For another dish that balances richness with freshness, check out our Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta.

Side Dish Ideas

This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Mashed potatoes – creamy and comforting, they soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Steamed rice – simple and light, letting the salmon shine.
• Roasted vegetables – carrots, asparagus, or zucchini make great choices.
• Couscous or quinoa – for a healthier grain option.

If you want to create a themed seafood dinner, you could start with an appetizer like Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells before serving the salmon.

Variations and Add-Ons

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility:

• Add herbs – Fresh dill, parsley, or basil can complement the flavors beautifully.
• Swap the protein – Try chicken breast or shrimp if you’re not in the mood for salmon.
• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free butter alternative.

For a slightly spicier take, you could borrow seasoning ideas from our Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef and add chili flakes or gochujang to the sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of cream or broth to loosen it.

If you enjoy meal prepping, this dish can also be portioned with rice or pasta for ready-to-heat lunches—similar to the approach in our Chicken Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce.

Wine Pairings

This rich and creamy salmon dish pairs well with white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For those who prefer reds, opt for a light Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Sauce is an elegant yet simple dish that can transform an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion. The combination of buttery salmon, savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce makes every bite satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress. And with its quick cooking time and simple ingredients, it’s one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

If you’re ready to explore more flavorful salmon dishes, you might also enjoy our Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce for a completely different take on this versatile fish.