Description
Blackened Salmon stuffed with Spinach & Parmesan brings tender fish and rich flavors together in a quick weeknight dinner your family will devour. Packed with healthy greens and creamy cheese, this simple recipe turns an ordinary meal into something special you can make in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and grab an oven-safe skillet that will comfortably hold your 4 salmon fillets.
- Mix 2 cups spinach, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup cream cheese, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a medium bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine all seasoning spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a small dish.
- Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels and generously rub the spice mixture over every surface of the fish.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice a deep pocket into the thickest section of each salmon fillet, keeping the bottom and sides intact.
- Gently stuff each salmon pocket with the spinach-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to pack the filling tightly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust develops.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated 375F oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let salmon rest for 3-4 minutes before serving with your favorite accompaniments.
Notes
- Always pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to help the spices stick and create a perfect crust.
- Select fresh baby spinach for the best flavor, and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery filling.
- Test salmon doneness by checking its internal temperature reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- When cutting the pocket for stuffing, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the fillet without cutting completely through the fish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg