Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with Fish Florentine, a dish that seamlessly combines tender white fish fillets with a luxurious spinach and cream sauce. This elegant meal is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, making it perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress even the most discerning palate. Get ready to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Fish Florentine holds a special place in our family’s culinary repertoire, as it marks the celebration of memorable milestones and cherished moments. I remember the first time I prepared this dish for my loved ones—the anticipation as the fragrant aroma of garlic and bell peppers filled the kitchen, and the excitement as we gathered around the table to savor each bite of tender fish and creamy spinach sauce. Since then, Fish Florentine has become a symbol of love and togetherness in our home, reminding us that the simple act of sharing a delicious meal can create lasting memories that we’ll treasure forever.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
Decadent Spinach Sauce: The creamy spinach sauce, infused with garlic, red bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese, adds a burst of flavor to every bite of tender fish. Versatile Fish Options: Choose from a variety of skinless white fish fillets such as grouper, flounder, bass, or halibut to suit your preferences and availability. Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this gourmet meal in no time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Restaurant-Quality Results: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant, without the hefty price tag.
Ingredients:
- 4 thick pieces of skinless white fish fillet (about 5 oz each), such as grouper, flounder, bass, or halibut
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 9 ounces fresh baby spinach (from two bags)
- 2 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia)
- ¼ cup half & half cream
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down.
- Add the cream cheese, half & half, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture resembles creamed spinach. Keep warm over low heat.
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6 minutes on the first side until browned, then flip the fillets over and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and browned on both sides.
- To serve, divide the creamy spinach mixture onto the bottom of each plate and top with a piece of cooked fish.
Notes:
- For best results, choose thick pieces of fish to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding additional herbs or spices to the spinach sauce, such as thyme or red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
