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Baked Fish Florentine

This easy Baked Fish Florentine recipe features a firm white fish fillet served over a creamy bed of spinach. It's a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that feels gourmet!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces 5 oz thick skinless white firm fish fillet (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 (such as Philadelphia)
  • 0.25 cup half & half cream
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • kosher salt to taste
  • fresh black pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 0.5 tablespoon of olive oil and 0.5 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped red bell pepper and minced garlic, and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the spinach wilts down completely.
  3. Stir in the cream cheese, half & half cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture resembles creamed spinach. Set aside.
  4. Heat a separate skillet (or clean the first one) on medium-high heat. Add the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of olive oil and 0.5 tablespoon of butter.
  5. Season the fish fillets generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Carefully place them on the hot pan.
  6. Cook the fish for about 6 minutes on the first side until browned. Flip the fish over and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
  7. To serve, divide the spinach mixture and place it on the bottom of each plate. Top with a piece of cooked fish. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to use your favorite firm white fish, such as cod, tilapia, or snapper. For a richer flavor, you can increase the amount of butter or cream cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish adds a lovely brightness.