A Restaurant-Quality One-Pan Dinner Ready in Minutes
Ready to impress with a luxurious dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests? This Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is the perfect recipe for when you want something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and create a gourmet meal at home!
Introduction
Salmon is often the go-to choice for a healthy yet indulgent meal. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a naturally rich flavor that stands up to bold sauces and herbs. In this Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms, seared salmon fillets are smothered in a velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, mushrooms, cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme—all balanced with fresh spinach for color and nutrition.
This one-pan dish combines comfort and elegance, making it a perfect choice whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or preparing a special dinner for two. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (6–8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The salmon should develop a golden-brown crust and easily release from the pan when ready to flip.
Once cooked through, remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and lightly browned.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring until wilted and well combined with the mushrooms and garlic.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Let the sauce cook for 3–4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Return Salmon and Finish
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top and let the salmon warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Once heated and coated in the sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use skin-on salmon for extra flavor and a crispier texture. Just be sure to sear skin-side down first.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the salmon in batches if your skillet is small to ensure even searing.
- Fresh thyme adds wonderful flavor, but if using dried, use only half as much.
- Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth after searing the mushrooms—this pulls up all those flavorful brown bits for a richer sauce.
- Let the cream reduce naturally. Avoid rushing this step, as the sauce will thicken beautifully in just a few minutes.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the salmon over a bed of mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttery pasta to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter option, pair with zoodles or cauliflower mash.
- Add a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Not freezer-friendly. Cream-based sauces may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?
Yes, this creamy garlic butter sauce pairs well with other firm white fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Be aware that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
3. What mushrooms work best?
Cremini (baby bella) and white button mushrooms are both excellent choices. For a deeper, earthier flavor, try shiitake or portobello.
4. Can I make this sauce thicker or thinner?
Yes. For a thicker sauce, simmer a few extra minutes. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more broth or cream. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for added thickness.
5. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and high in healthy fats, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Conclusion
When it comes to flavorful, satisfying meals that don’t take hours in the kitchen, Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach & Mushrooms is a true winner. The combination of juicy, pan-seared salmon with earthy mushrooms, velvety cream, and aromatic garlic is simply irresistible. Add in the nutrient-rich spinach and a touch of Dijon mustard and thyme, and you have a dish that’s as nutritious as it is indulgent.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant date-night dinner, a healthy family meal, or a reliable go-to recipe for weeknights, this dish ticks every box. It’s versatile, quick, and packed with bold flavors—plus, it’s all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and make this creamy garlic butter salmon tonight—you deserve something delicious!
