Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

ByAnna

Flaky, tender salmon paired with a rich and velvety spinach sauce—this dish is elegance made easy. The salmon bakes to perfection in the oven, while the creamy spinach sauce, infused with garlic and a touch of lemon, adds a luxurious finish. It’s the kind of recipe that looks restaurant-worthy yet comes together simply in your own kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

This dish was inspired by the desire to create a balanced meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. Salmon is naturally rich and flavorful, and pairing it with a creamy spinach sauce brings freshness and comfort together in one bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cream-based sauces paired with fish have long been part of French cuisine, where cream and butter enhance delicate proteins. Spinach, meanwhile, has been a favorite partner for creamy sauces across European kitchens. Together, salmon and spinach create a classic yet modern combination, showcasing how healthy ingredients can also feel luxurious.

Why You’ll Love Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about experience:

Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, protein, and iron.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

Balanced: Rich salmon meets light, vibrant spinach.

Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce can be prepped in advance.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, comforting, and flavorful.

Elegant Yet Simple: Restaurant-quality but beginner-friendly.

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Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking, Pan-Searing
  • Cuisine: Contemporary
Print Recipe

Description

Flaky, oven-baked salmon fillets nestled in a rich, garlicky spinach cream sauce—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season salmon with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 1 minute more. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant.
  4. Pour in cream and stir in lemon zest and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and transfer to oven.
  7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until salmon flakes easily. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or heavy cream for extra richness.
  • Frozen spinach can be used—thaw and drain before adding.
  • Great with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Baked salmon, creamy spinach sauce, salmon skillet, healthy salmon dinner, one-pan salmon

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Pat salmon dry before seasoning for a crisp finish.
  2. Don’t overbake—salmon is best slightly underdone for tenderness.
  3. Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor in the sauce.
  4. Add lemon juice at the end for a refreshing lift.
  5. Rest the salmon for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: For roasting the salmon.
Skillet: To prepare the creamy spinach sauce.
Whisk: For blending the sauce smoothly.
Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping ingredients.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise portions.

Ingredients in Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

A few simple ingredients come together for a stunning dish:

  1. Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-ounce each) – Rich, flaky centerpiece.
  2. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For roasting.
  3. Salt & Black Pepper: To season.
  4. Butter: 2 tablespoons – Base of the sauce.
  5. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Aromatic depth.
  6. Baby Spinach: 4 cups – Fresh and vibrant.
  7. Heavy Cream: 1 cup – Velvety richness.
  8. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated – Nutty flavor.
  9. Nutmeg (optional): Pinch – Subtle warmth.
  10. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Bright, fresh finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Salmon: Trout or cod.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or coconut cream.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Gruyère.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil or melted butter.
Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard.

ding">Ingredient Spotlight

Salmon: Naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s hearty yet delicate, the perfect protein for a creamy sauce.

Spinach: Its earthy freshness balances the richness of cream and salmon beautifully.

Instructions for Making Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Pat salmon dry, rub with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place salmon on the baking sheet.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Bake salmon 12–15 minutes, until opaque and flaky.
  5. Cook to Perfection: While salmon bakes, melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic 1 minute, add spinach until wilted, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Simmer 3–4 minutes until creamy.
  6. Finishing Touches: Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate salmon with creamy spinach sauce spooned generously on top.

ding">Texture & Flavor Secrets

The salmon is buttery and flaky, while the sauce is silky and savory with a fresh, slightly tangy note. The Parmesan adds depth, and the spinach gives it a vibrant contrast.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

  • Bake salmon skin-side down for the best texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
  • Don’t let the cream boil too hard, or it may separate.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid overcooking salmon—it dries quickly.
  • Don’t add lemon too early, it can curdle the cream.
  • Avoid frozen spinach if possible, it can water down the sauce.