If you’re craving a satisfying yet easy-to-make meal, this Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo recipe will not disappoint. Combining the richness of salmon with a creamy Alfredo sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. This flavorful dish blends the freshness of spinach with the indulgence of a rich sauce, all topped by perfectly cooked salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This meal can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings.
- Balanced Flavors: The buttery salmon pairs wonderfully with the creamy spinach Alfredo, providing both rich and fresh notes.
- Nutritious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and vitamins from the spinach, this meal is not only delicious but also healthy.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Creamy Spinach Alfredo:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Garlic Butter Salmon First, melt 4 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about a minute. Next, season the salmon with salt and pepper, then place the fillets, skin-side down, into the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Afterward, flip the fillets and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice for added brightness and set the salmon aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Spinach Alfredo In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter and sauté the garlic until it releases its aroma. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, which will take about 2 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken. Be sure to season with salt and pepper for balance.
Step 3: Serve To serve, place the salmon on a plate and spoon the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce over the top or on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. For a complete meal, pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Dish:
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon while cooking. For the best texture, the center should remain slightly pink.
- Enhance the Sauce: If you enjoy a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
- Make it Your Own: Substitute the salmon with shrimp, chicken, or even scallops for variety.
Ideal Pairings:
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo pairs beautifully with many sides:
- Linguine or Fettuccine: Toss your pasta with any leftover Alfredo sauce for a complete dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a complementary side.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.
Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo is a luxurious dish combining tender, garlic-infused salmon with a rich, cheesy spinach Alfredo pasta. Perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
- For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the creamy spinach Alfredo:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice, cooked
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon:
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice. Pour the garlic butter over the cooked salmon and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prepare the creamy spinach Alfredo:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy spinach Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Assemble and serve:
- Serve the garlic butter salmon fillets over a bed of creamy spinach Alfredo pasta.
- Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the dish, and garnish with more parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and quality.
- If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce gently and cook the salmon fresh for the best flavor.
How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or oven, and reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent excess moisture from thinning the sauce.
With this Garlic Butter Salmon with Creamy Spinach Alfredo, you get the best of both worlds—rich, flavorful salmon and indulgent Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy, nutritious, and versatile dish that you can customize to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit!