Name: Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich and elegant dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets simmered in a luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. This restaurant-quality meal comes together quickly and delivers exceptional flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salmon dish combines delicate seafood with the bold, comforting flavors of Tuscany. The creamy sauce is velvety and deeply flavorful thanks to garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, while the salmon remains tender and flaky. It feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal suitable for any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
heavy cream
chicken broth
Italian seasoning
spinach
grated parmesan cheese
crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Return salmon to the pan, spooning sauce over the fillets.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve hot with your preferred sides.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 25 minutes

Variations

Tuscan Shrimp: Replace salmon with shrimp for a seafood twist.
Light Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Tomato Basil Salmon: Add fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Spicy Tuscan Salmon: Add extra crushed red pepper or calabrian chili.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and omit parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

FAQs

Why is my salmon dry?

Overcooking causes dryness; remove the salmon when slightly underdone and finish in the sauce.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute the cream?

Half-and-half or coconut milk works, though texture will differ.

Why is my sauce thin?

Simmer longer or add a bit more parmesan for thickening.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes, sauté them with the garlic for added flavor.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes—bake at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add to the sauce.

Should I keep the skin on the salmon?

It is optional; cooking with skin on helps retain moisture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide stronger flavor.

Can I use salmon pieces instead of whole fillets?

Yes, cut into chunks for a Tuscan salmon “bites” version.

What sides pair best?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread complement the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a luxurious and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into an exceptional meal. With its tender salmon, velvety sauce, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it makes an impressive entrée for family dinners or elegant entertaining. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe is a must-have for seafood lovers.

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

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Pan-seared salmon fillets simmered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a rich, Tuscan-inspired dish.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Return salmon to the pan and simmer another 3–4 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish with basil and serve warm.