Creamy Spinach & Red Pepper Salmon Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Succulent salmon meets its perfect match in this delightful creamy spinach and roasted red pepper salmon recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

The combination of tender fish and rich, velvety sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Vibrant roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky dimension to the dish.

Nutritious spinach weaves its magic through every luxurious bite.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate the entire experience to new culinary heights.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance.

You won’t believe how simple yet sophisticated this seafood masterpiece can be.

What Makes Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon So Good

• Boost Flavor Instantly: This recipe transforms simple salmon into a gourmet meal with roasted red peppers, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that bursts with rich, tantalizing flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality dinner in just minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Serve the salmon over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, offering flexible dining options that cater to different preferences and dietary needs while keeping meal preparation stress-free.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single skillet for cooking salmon and creating a luscious, creamy sauce, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the primary protein and centerpiece of the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking the salmon and creating a smooth sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and warm flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and a sweet-earthy flavor profile to the sauce.

• Half & Half, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich sauce with a tangy and smooth texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley: Provide layers of seasoning, heat, and fresh herbal notes to balance the creamy sauce.

How to Prepare Creamy Salmon with Spinach and Peppers

Step 1: Prep Salmon Fillets

Grab your salmon fillets and sprinkle them with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Make sure to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear Salmon to Perfection

Fire up a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down first, cooking for about 5 minutes until a golden crust forms.

Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.

The salmon should be tender and flaky.

Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let the garlic dance and become fragrant for a minute.

Toss in the roasted red peppers and let them sizzle for another couple of minutes, releasing their sweet, smoky essence.

Step 4: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Introduce fresh spinach to the pan, watching it transform from crisp to silky as it wilts down.

Stir gently to combine with the peppers and garlic.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in Half & Half.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer, becoming rich and creamy.

Step 6: Reunite Salmon with Sauce

Gently place the cooked salmon back into the skillet.

Spoon the velvety sauce over each fillet, ensuring they’re beautifully coated.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Plate your salmon over a bed of pasta, fluffy rice, or steamed vegetables.

The creamy sauce will cascade over the fish, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.

Pro Tips for Creamy Spinach Salmon

• Cook flesh-side down first to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Add spinach gradually and stir quickly to prevent overcooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Simmer sauce on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats the salmon perfectly.
• Sprinkle extra chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
• Swap Half & Half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.

Flavor Variations for Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Half & Half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap pasta or rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the recipe's rich flavors.
• Mediterranean Magic: Substitute salmon with grilled white fish like cod or halibut, and add kalamata olives and fresh dill for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Use shrimp or scallops instead of salmon, and increase red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and different protein option.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Salmon Dish

• Pasta Paradise: Toss the salmon and creamy sauce over linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-worthy meal that's bursting with flavor.
• Veggie Bed Delight: Nestle the salmon atop a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, carrots, and asparagus to create a nutritious and vibrant plate.
• Rice Bowl Elegance: Serve the salmon and its luxurious sauce over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, allowing the sauce to gently coat each grain for a comforting dinner experience.
• Salad Topper Magic: Slice the salmon and place it over a crisp mixed green salad with a drizzle of the creamy sauce as a light and refreshing alternative to traditional serving styles.

How to Store Creamy Spinach and Red Pepper Salmon

• Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate salmon from sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap salmon and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Gently warm salmon in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 275°F for 10 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Warm sauce in saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of Half & Half if sauce appears too thick. Stir until heated through and smooth.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and light pink.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain the frozen spinach completely first. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Fresh spinach is still recommended for better texture and flavor.

• What if I don't have Half & Half?

You can substitute with heavy cream or mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Each option will slightly change the sauce’s richness, but will still produce a creamy result.

Creamy Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets Mediterranean magic in this creamy spinach and roasted red pepper salmon masterpiece. Rich flavors dance together, promising a restaurant-quality meal that brings Mediterranean coastal charm right to your dinner table and delights you with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 salmon fillets skin on (about 1 lb / 454 grams)

Seasoning and Spices:

• Salt and pepper to season
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic (finely diced)

Vegetables and Peppers:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) roasted red peppers (diced)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs:

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and generously season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Preheat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat with cooking oil. Place salmon flesh-side down and cook for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Flip salmon and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, ensuring fish is cooked through with a slightly translucent center. Transfer salmon to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add roasted red peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Introduce fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt and reduce in volume, approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Reduce skillet heat to low and pour in Half & Half cream. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, additional salt, and black pepper.
8. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
9. Gently place cooked salmon back into the skillet and spoon creamy sauce over each fillet to reheat and coat.
10. Serve immediately over your preferred base like pasta, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Opt for fresh wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and texture compared to farm-raised options.
• Toast red pepper flakes briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to enhance their smoky, spicy profile.
• Choose full-fat Half & Half for a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
• If dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy consistency that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg