Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sautรฉ the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
- Substitute salmon with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
- Incorporate white wine with the chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to prevent the salmon from drying out.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Salmon?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it with freshly cooked salmon.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet, especially if served with low-carb sides.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adjust the thickness by simmering longer.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan works well for even cooking and achieving a good sear.
Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary can add wonderful flavors to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Its creamy, savory sauce paired with tender salmon makes it a versatile meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen!
PrintCreamy Tuscan Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is rich, flavorful, and quick to make! Juicy, tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection, then smothered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. Itโs a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutesโperfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, as preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides. - Cook the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4โ5 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add Tomatoes and Spinach:
Stir in the cherry tomatoes (or sun-dried tomatoes) and cook until softened. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. - Create the Cream Base:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2โ3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the salmon is heated through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Salmon Doneness:ย Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) for perfect results.
- Dairy-Free Option:ย Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan if needed.
- Add-Ins:ย Mushrooms or artichoke hearts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
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