1. Prepare the Salmon
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Cook the Salmon:Pan-Searing:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if the skin is still on). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet used for the salmon, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Allow the liquid to reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Season the Sauce:
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
3. Combine and Serve
- Add Salmon to Sauce: Gently place the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon to coat.
- Simmer Together: Allow the salmon to warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes, being careful not to overcook.
- Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy spinach and salmon immediately, paired with your favorite side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfection
- Salmon Doneness: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should be just cooked through and moist inside.
- Spinach: For a creamier sauce, you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Conclusion
Creamy Spinach and Salmon Delight is a comforting and elegant dish that brings together the richness of a creamy spinach sauce with tender, flavorful salmon. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, offering a balance of flavors and textures that are sure to please. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!