The aroma of sautéed garlic and fresh spinach whisked me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where dinner was always a celebration. Today, I’m bringing that warmth to the table with my Creamy Fish Florentine, a delightful blend of pan-fried white fish served on a pillow of sautéed vegetables, all smothered in a rich ricotta sauce. This dish is not only creamy and comforting but also customizable, making it a breeze to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re trying to sneak more seafood into your family’s meals or seeking an elegant dish to wow dinner guests, this Fish Florentine strikes the perfect balance between effortless preparation and gourmet flair. Curious to see how simple ingredients can transform into a culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive in! Why is Fish Florentine a must-try? Versatile & Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand. Substitute ricotta with cream cheese for a different twist or swap in your favorite white fish for a unique flair. Flavor Explosion: The harmony of garlic, spinach, and creamy ricotta creates a delightfully savory dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps and quick prep time, you can create a gourmet meal that feels luxurious without spending hours in the kitchen. Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Its vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a hit at the dinner table! Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors intensify the next day, making this an excellent choice for meal prep. Serve it with rice or crusty bread, and enjoy a satisfying lunch! If you’re looking for more seafood inspiration, check out Coconut Lime Fish or create fun variations with Blackened Fish Taco bowls! Fish Florentine Ingredients For the Fish • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the fish; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option. • White Fish Fillets (24 oz.) – Acts as the main protein; varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia work well. • Kosher Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the fish; use to taste. • Lemon (1 large) – Brightens the flavor profile, enhancing the fish. For the Vegetables • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons) – Used for sautéing vegetables; adds healthy fat. Substitute with another cooking oil if desired. • Bella Mushrooms (8 oz., sliced) – Provide texture and earthiness; can be replaced with other mushrooms or omitted. • Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved) – Adds sweetness and color; substitute with diced regular tomatoes. • Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances flavor; ensure it doesn’t burn for the best taste. • Baby Spinach (12 oz.) – Important for the dish’s base; frozen spinach can be used when thawed and drained. • Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon) – Adds a touch of heat; adjust to taste according to spice preference. For the Creamy Sauce • Ricotta Cheese (4 oz.) – Core ingredient for the creamy sauce, providing a mild flavor; cream cheese can be substituted for a tangier taste. • Chicken Broth (1/4 cup) – Adds depth and creaminess to the sauce; vegetable broth can be a good substitute. • Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated) – Finishing touch to the sauce for added flavor; can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fish Florentine Step 1: Sauté Vegetables In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, introduce sliced Bella mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re golden brown. Add halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, stirring frequently for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften. Finally, toss in 12 oz. of baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Step 2: Season With the vegetables sautéed, season your mixture with kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1 minute. The spinach should be vibrant and the tomatoes should be juicy, creating a beautiful base for your Fish Florentine. Step 3: Make Sauce Lower the heat to medium and incorporate 4 oz. of ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the ricotta is creamy and well combined, creating a luscious sauce. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth, then remove from heat. Step 4: Cook Fish In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with a large lemon sliced thinly, over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, gently place your seasoned white fish fillets into the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, creating a stunning contrast to the creamy sauce. Step 5: Serve To plate your delicious Fish Florentine, scoop a generous portion of the creamy spinach mixture onto each plate. Top it with your beautifully cooked fish fillets, and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top for an added burst of flavor. Garnish as desired and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures! Storage Tips for Fish Florentine Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the Fish Florentine is cooled to room temperature before sealing. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the creamy Fish Florentine in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Portion it out for convenient meal prep! Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened. Avoiding Spoilage: Keep the fish separate from the creamy sauce if possible to maintain texture. Combine when ready to eat for the best experience! Make Ahead Options These Fish Florentine meal prep tips are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can sauté the vegetables (mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and garlic) up to 3 days in advance, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy ricotta sauce up to 24 hours ahead, keeping it fresh in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the fish fillets right before dinner, then reheat the vegetable mixture and sauce gently on the stove to ensure they stay just as delicious. This way, you’ll enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort! What to Serve with Creamy Fish Florentine? Let the delightful flavors of this seafood dish inspire your side selections and create a satisfying meal experience. Garlic Bread: The crunchy and buttery garlic bread provides a perfect contrast to the creamy sauce, inviting you to soak up every last bite. Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon vinaigrette adds a light, nutritious element, balancing the richness of the Fish Florentine. Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus sprinkled with sea salt enhances your plate’s elegance while bringing about a satisfying snap to each bite. Pair it with a refreshing garden salad tossed in a tangy dressing to introduce a burst of freshness. The colorful medley offers crunch and a burst of vibrant flavors that further elevates your dining experience. Steamed Broccoli: This classic veggie side is rich in nutrients and provides a delightful contrast in texture to the creamy fish. Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the creaminess of the dish beautifully, with its crisp notes brightening each mouthful. Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, consider a light fruit sorbet to cleanse your palate after the rich meal. Its fruity sweetness concludes your dining experience on a delightful note. Fish Florentine Variations & Substitutions Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create a version of Fish Florentine that’s tailored just for you! Firm Fish: Substitute cod with sea bass or haddock for a unique twist. Each fish brings its own flavor profile, enhancing the dish. Vegetarian Option: Use tofu instead of fish for a delightful vegetarian take, keeping the creamy ricotta sauce intact. It’s a great way to enjoy the same comforting flavors while staying plant-based. Spicy Kick: Boost the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding jalapeños for an extra punch. Adjust to taste to cater to your heat preferences! Sauce Variations: Swap ricotta with cream cheese for a tangy alternative, giving the sauce a slightly different creamy flavor. This can add richness and complexity to every bite. Herb Infusion: Enhance the sauce with fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a fragrant twist that brightens the dish. Adding herbs complements the fish beautifully! Vegetable Mix: Switch up the veggies by incorporating artichokes or zucchini for added texture and color in your dish. Not only do they add a nutrient boost, but they also introduce new flavors. Citrus Zing: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy lift that pairs nicely with the fish. It’s a refreshing enhancement! Cheese Choices: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option that still provides a cheesy flavor. Perfect for vegan versions! As you explore these variations, think of the delightful possibilities! Dive deeper into seafood-inspired creations with my Coconut Lime Fish or add a fun twist to your dinner with Blackened Fish Taco bowls. Enjoy crafting your perfect Fish Florentine! Tips for the Best Fish Florentine Dry the Fish: Patting fish fillets dry before seasoning helps achieve a deliciously crispy skin and prevents sticking during cooking. Preheat the Pan: A well-preheated skillet ensures even cooking and browning. If it’s not hot enough, the fish may stick and lose moisture. Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach, garlic, and fish fillets to enhance the flavor profile of your Fish Florentine. Freshness makes all the difference! Customize the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. If you’re nervous about heat, start with less; you can always add more later. Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy sauce, consider using a bit more ricotta or a splash of heavy cream—this will elevate the richness of the dish. Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds beauty to your Fish Florentine but also brightens the flavors beautifully. Fish Florentine Recipe FAQs What type of fish is best for Fish Florentine? I recommend using firm white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. These varieties not only hold their shape well during cooking but also absorb the flavors of the ricotta sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with other firm fish like sea bass or halibut for a delicious twist! How should I store leftovers of Fish Florentine? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to cool the Fish Florentine to room temperature before sealing it to help preserve texture and flavor. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Can I freeze Fish Florentine? Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning it into airtight containers. It’s best to keep the fish separate from the creamy sauce if possible; this helps maintain the best texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. What if my ricotta sauce is too thick? No worries! If your ricotta sauce ends up too thick, you can easily adjust it. Just stir in a little extra chicken broth or a splash of cream while heating it on low. This will help regain that luscious, creamy consistency. Also, make sure to use fresh ricotta, as this will create a smoother sauce from the start. Can I make Fish Florentine gluten-free? Yes, Fish Florentine is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any broths or cheeses you use are labeled gluten-free, and you’re all set. This dish is an excellent option for anyone looking to avoid gluten while enjoying a delicious homemade meal. Is Fish Florentine safe for kids? Absolutely! Fish Florentine is a family-friendly recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. The creamy texture and delightful flavors will surely win over even the pickiest eaters. Just adjust the red pepper flakes to a milder amount if you’re serving it to young ones, and they’ll love helping to pick out the beautiful colors on their plates! Decadent Fish Florentine with Creamy Ricotta Delight This Fish Florentine is a creamy, savory seafood dish perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Fish2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.24 oz. White Fish Fillets Varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia work well.Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning fish.Freshly Cracked Pepper Essential for seasoning fish.1 large Lemon Sliced thinly.For the Vegetables2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Used for sautéing vegetables.8 oz. Bella Mushrooms Sliced.1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; substitute with diced regular tomatoes.2 cloves Garlic Minced.12 oz. Baby Spinach Can use thawed frozen spinach.1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.For the Creamy Sauce4 oz. Ricotta Cheese Core ingredient for the creamy sauce.1/4 cup Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth.1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated. Equipment Cast iron skilletSeparate Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, introduce sliced Bella mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they're golden brown. Add halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, stirring frequently for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften. Toss in 12 oz. of baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.Season your mixture with kosher salt, freshly cracked pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld for about 1 minute.Lower the heat to medium and add 4 oz. of ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the ricotta is creamy and well combined. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth, then remove from heat.In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with a large lemon sliced thinly, over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, gently place your seasoned white fish fillets into the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.To plate your Fish Florentine, scoop a generous portion of the creamy spinach mixture onto each plate, top with your beautifully cooked fish fillets, and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish as desired and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, dry the fish before cooking and use fresh ingredients. Adjust spice levels according to preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
