Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe
This Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon recipe offers a rich and flavorful dish combining tender wild-caught salmon fillets with a velvety sauce made from fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan-infused heavy cream. Perfectly seared and optionally oven-roasted for ideal doneness, it’s a delicious and elegant meal suitable for seafood lovers seeking a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Salmon & Seasoning
- 4 fillets wild-caught Alaskan salmon
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (not over-chopped)
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet, searing for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon easily releases from the pan. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Optional Roast: For perfectly cooked salmon, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from oven carefully.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet onto a plate and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Spinach & Peppers: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and roasted red peppers and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly while retaining some texture.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously until the cream heats through and the Parmesan cheese melts fully into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Season & Finish: Add salt, pepper, and the lemon juice to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the richness with acidity.
- Combine & Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over each piece, and let them sit for a minute to marry the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad to complete this wholesome, delicious meal.
Notes
- Using wild-caught Alaskan salmon enhances flavor and supports sustainable fishing.
- Do not over-chop the spinach to retain some texture in the sauce.
- Pre-roasted red peppers save preparation time but can be substituted with freshly roasted peppers if preferred.
- Optional oven roasting ensures even cooking and keeps the salmon moist.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami — feel free to use freshly grated for best taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a different flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid damage when roasting.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: salmon, creamy spinach sauce, roasted red peppers, healthy seafood recipe, easy dinner, low salt, gluten free