Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Sauce

Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with this irresistible pan-seared salmon. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, the salmon is paired with a rich, velvety sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing their rich flavor to infuse the pan.
5. Pour in the broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Finish the sauce with a splash of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
7. Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the fillets, and let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Serving Tip

Pair this creamy salmon with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, fluffy rice, or roasted asparagus for a complete and satisfying meal. A wedge of fresh lemon on the side adds an extra burst of flavor just before serving.