This Creamy Florentine Pasta with Fried Salmon is an elegant yet simple meal that pairs the rich flavors of a creamy spinach sauce with crispy, pan-seared salmon. The dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors—the creaminess of the sauce, the delicate pasta, and the crispy, golden salmon make for a truly satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of your preferred pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
For the Fried Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets, each roughly 6 ounces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pasta:
- Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s tender but still firm to the bite.
- Drain the pasta, keeping about ½ cup of the cooking water, and set it aside.
2. Cook the salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down (if they have skin). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the exterior is crispy and golden and the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Florentine sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour at this stage.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally for about 2-3 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Florentine sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
5. Serve:
- Divide the creamy Florentine pasta between plates. Top each serving with a crispy fried salmon fillet.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a bright, zesty finish.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Florentine Pasta with Fried Salmon is the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The rich, creamy sauce packed with spinach and Parmesan pairs beautifully with the tender pasta and crispy, flaky salmon. The light nutmeg and lemon garnish add a hint of freshness that brings the dish together. It’s an excellent choice for a special dinner that feels gourmet but is easy enough to make at home. Enjoy this indulgent yet balanced meal any night of the week!