As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sautéed garlic and fresh spinach instantly transported me to a charming Italian trattoria. That’s the magic of preparing Creamy Fish Florentine—this dish brings warmth and sophistication to your dinner table without breaking a sweat! Easy to whip up, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family meal. With flaky white fish nestled atop a dreamy bed of sautéed veggies and a luscious ricotta sauce, this recipe doesn’t just satisfy your cravings; it’s a delightful way to add more seafood to your weekly menu. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can tailor it to your family’s tastes. Who wouldn’t want to dive into such a comforting dish tonight? Why is Fish Florentine a family favorite? Creamy, comforting goodness: This Fish Florentine brings an irresistible, silky texture and rich flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. Customizable: Swap out fish or veggies easily, making it a versatile dish for all dietary preferences. Think of pairing it with an easy Coconut Lime Fish for more seafood inspiration! Colorful presentation: The vibrant greens and reds in the dish make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Health-conscious option: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence your family will love. Fish Florentine Ingredients • Dive into the deliciousness of Fish Florentine with these essential ingredients! For the Sauce Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the fish; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option. Ricotta Cheese – The creamy base of the sauce, providing luscious texture; feel free to swap with cream cheese for a twist. Chicken Broth – Gives depth to the sauce; vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version. Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the sauce with a nutty flavor; always opt for freshly grated for the best taste. For the Fish and Veggies White Fish Fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, halibut) – The main protein source; choose your family’s favorite fish for a customized meal. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Used for sautéing, ensuring you pick a quality oil for optimal flavor. Sliced Bella Mushrooms – Adds umami and a lovely texture to the dish. Cherry Tomatoes – Their sweetness brightens up the dish; they can be switched with regular tomatoes if you prefer. Baby Spinach – The star vegetable; you can substitute with thawed frozen spinach after draining excess moisture. Minced Garlic – An essential flavor booster; fresh garlic offers the best taste. Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For essential seasoning; this duo enhances every flavor in your dish! Red Pepper Flakes – Perfect for adding a hint of spice; adjust quantities based on your heat preference. For Serving Lemon – Squeeze fresh juice for zesty brightness just before serving, enhancing the dish even further! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fish Florentine Step 1: Sauté Vegetables In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 cup of sliced Bella mushrooms until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 5 cups of baby spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Step 2: Seasoning Sprinkle in kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. The vegetables should be tender and fragrant, creating a delicious base for your Fish Florentine. Step 3: Make Sauce Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese along with 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mixing well until the sauce is creamy. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the ricotta is fully integrated, and the sauce begins to gently bubble. Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth for a rich coating. Step 4: Cook Fish In a separate non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add lemon slices for a burst of flavor, then gently place 4 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or your choice) in the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, ensuring a beautifully golden exterior. Step 5: Serve To serve your elegant Fish Florentine, place a generous scoop of the creamy spinach mixture onto each plate. Top it with the flaky fish fillets and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for zesty brightness. The vibrant greens and golden fish will create a delightful presentation that’s perfect for family dinners! What to Serve with Creamy Fish Florentine? Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures by pairing your creamy fish dish with these scrumptious sides! Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, this warm, crusty delight adds a pleasing crunch and aromatic flavor. Citrus Couscous: Light and fluffy, the bright citrus notes in couscous elevate the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich fish. Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled in olive oil bolsters the dish’s elegance, adding a vibrant green element to your plate. Lemon Herb Quinoa: Packed with nutrients and refreshing lemon zest, quinoa complements the richness of the fish while enhancing its flavor beautifully. Mixed Green Salad: A garden-fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette brings a crisp texture and bright flavors, balancing the creamy Fish Florentine perfectly. White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s delicate flavors, enhancing your dining experience with its crisp acidity. Tiramisu: Finish your meal with a classic Italian dessert! The coffee-flavored layers of tiramisu provide a delightful sweet contrast to the savory entrée. Expert Tips for Fish Florentine Pat Dry Fish: Ensure to pat your fish dry before cooking to enhance browning and flavor, avoiding a steamed texture. Grease Properly: Always grease your pans well to prevent sticking. Non-stick pans are a great option for cooking Fish Florentine. Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning with salt and pepper; it’s essential for bringing out the rich flavors of the fish and sauce. Experiment with Greens: You can mix in other greens like kale or swiss chard for a nutrient boost, just ensure they’re sautéed until tender. Add Herbs: Try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme or dill into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements your Fish Florentine beautifully. Make Ahead Options These Fish Florentine preparations are a true game-changer for busy weeknights! You can sauté the mushroom, tomato, and spinach blend up to 3 days in advance, just be sure to let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the creamy ricotta sauce can be mixed and stored separately for up to 24 hours. To maintain freshness and flavor, keep everything well-sealed and avoid combining the fish until just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply cook the fish fresh and reheat the sautéed vegetables and sauce on low heat. You’ll have an elegant, home-cooked dinner in no time! How to Store and Freeze Fish Florentine Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess. Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to prevent the fish from drying out. Containers: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep fish florentine fresh and avoid any unwanted flavors mixing. Fish Florentine Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these tasty twists that will elevate your Fish Florentine experience and cater to your family’s preferences! Different Fish: Swap with firm white fish like sea bass or haddock, offering a delightful variety in taste and texture. Vegetarian Version: Use tofu in place of fish for a satisfying alternative while maintaining a creamy flavor profile. Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or toss in diced jalapeños for a fiery update on this classic dish! Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as dill or basil to the ricotta sauce for an aromatic burst of flavor that dazzles every bite. Creamy Alternative: Substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy experience; just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly. Extra Veggies: Include zucchini or bell peppers in the sautéed veggie mix for an added crunch and vibrant colors to your plate. Citrus Twist: Squeeze in some orange juice along with lemon for a sweet citrus boost that brightens up the sauce beautifully. Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving for a nice crunch, complementing the dish’s creamy elements. These adaptations not only ensure you enjoy your meal but can inspire you to prepare your next family favorite! If you’re interested in more seafood inspirations, don’t forget to check out my Blackened Fish Taco recipe or indulge in a refreshing Coconut Lime Fish delight. Enjoy your culinary adventure! Fish Florentine Recipe FAQs How do I select the best white fish for my Fish Florentine? Absolutely! When choosing white fish fillets, look for options like cod, tilapia, or halibut that are fresh, firm, and have a mild scent. If you’re opting for frozen fish, ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking to achieve the best texture. How should I store leftover Fish Florentine? Very straightforward! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain that creamy texture. Can I freeze Fish Florentine for later use? Yes, you can! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It’s best stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. What if my spinach turns watery when cooking? A common issue, but easily fixed! If your spinach releases excess water, ensure you’re cooking it just until wilted (2-3 minutes), and make sure to drain any moisture before adding it to your sauce. This prevents a watery texture and keeps your dish creamy and delightful. Is Fish Florentine suitable for those with dairy allergies? Definitely! If you’re catering to dairy allergies or preferences, you can substitute ricotta cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew-based cream. Additionally, use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a completely dairy-free option. Can I customize the vegetables in Fish Florentine? Of course! This recipe is very customizable. You can easily swap baby spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, or add in veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Enjoy experimenting! Creamy Fish Florentine for a Cozy Family Dinner Delight Enjoy the delightful Creamy Fish Florentine, a scrumptious dish that brings warmth and sophistication, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 420 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sauce2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or olive oil for dairy-free1 cup Ricotta Cheese or cream cheese for a twist1/2 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth for vegetarian option1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese freshly grated for best tasteFor the Fish and Veggies4 fillets White Fish (e.g., cod, tilapia, halibut) choose your family's favorite2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil for sautéing1 cup Sliced Bella Mushrooms adds umami1 cup Cherry Tomatoes can substitute with regular tomatoes5 cups Baby Spinach or thawed frozen spinach after draining3 cloves Minced Garlic fresh garlic for best flavorto taste Kosher Saltto taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust for spice preferenceFor Serving1 whole Lemon for squeezing fresh juice Equipment large cast iron skilletNon-stick skillet Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsHeat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sauté 1 cup of sliced Bella mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 5 cups of baby spinach until wilted.Sprinkle in kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and create a fragrant base.Lower the heat and add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mixing well until creamy. Cook for 2-3 minutes until integrated, then add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and stir until melted.In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add lemon slices, and gently place 4 fish fillets in the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.To serve, place the creamy spinach mixture on each plate, top with the flaky fish, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 34gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure to pat your fish dry before cooking for enhanced browning. It’s also essential to season well with salt and pepper to fully enjoy the flavors. You can experiment with different greens or herbs to customize your dish. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
