Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets bathed in a luscious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe delivers a comforting yet elegant meal ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Packed with wholesome ingredients and versatile enough for various dietary preferences, it’s a delicious go-to recipe that balances creamy indulgence with fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (rosemary, thyme, basil blend)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare and Sear the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté together for 1-2 minutes to release their rich flavors.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the creamy Tuscan flavor.
- Return Salmon to Pan: Nestle the seared salmon back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the salmon through.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor; if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon to maintain a tender, moist center with crispy skin.
- Keep the sauce simmering gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely for consistent sauce texture and flavor integration.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture, as the sauce thickens upon cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Salmon, salmon recipe, creamy salmon, Tuscan recipe, easy dinner, gluten free, one pan dish, quick dinner, healthy salmon