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Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Creamy Tuscan Salmon - featured image

A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring salmon fillets in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This comforting and indulgent dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained if dry-packed)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (180 ml; can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup white wine (60 ml; optional, can substitute chicken or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foams.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and fish mostly cooked through.
  4. Flip salmon carefully and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until just done. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to infuse flavor.
  7. Pour in white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in heavy cream and dried Italian herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer and let thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is creamy and smooth.
  10. Toss in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  11. Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over fillets, and warm together for 1 minute.
  12. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  13. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear. Use both olive oil and butter to balance flavor and prevent burning. Add garlic after salmon to avoid bitterness. If sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen. Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it moist. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, creamy sauce, Tuscan, quick dinner, easy recipe, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, weeknight meal