Description
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender salmon filets simmered in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. This flavorful recipe combines Italian-inspired seasonings with fresh ingredients for a satisfying main course that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 3 salmon filets (about 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Sauce
- ½ white onion, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the salmon filets skin-side down and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Note that the salmon will not be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add diced white onion, sun-dried tomatoes (with the oil), cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning into the sautéed vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and allow it to wilt completely, stirring gently. Taste the sauce and add additional salt if needed to balance the flavors.
- Simmer Salmon in Sauce: Return the seared salmon filets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes on low heat until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon for extra flavor and to help hold the fillet together during cooking.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before cooking to soften.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet with sauce (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Salmon, Salmon recipe, Creamy tomato sauce, Italian salmon, spinach and tomato sauce, easy salmon dinner, low salt seafood recipes
