Creamy Tuscan Salmon, The Best 20-Minute Restaurant-Quality Recipe

Get ready to transform your weeknights with our incredible Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe! This dish takes fresh salmon fillets and bathes them in a rich, sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce. You can whip up this elegant meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Prepare to impress everyone with this flavorful, restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen.

Salmon is also known for its numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to your diet. For instance, the Cleveland Clinic highlights that salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Salmon Recipe

• Flavorful, Rich Cream Sauce: Experience an incredibly decadent sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato and garlic flavors.
• Quick 20-Minute Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, this dish is on your table in under half an hour.
• Impressive, Restaurant-Quality Dish: The presentation and taste make it seem like you spent hours cooking.
• Perfectly Tender, Flaky Salmon: We guide you to achieve beautifully cooked salmon every time.
• Uses Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.
• Customizable to Dietary Needs: Easily adapt this recipe for various preferences, including dairy-free options.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Tuscan salmon recipe at home. This combination ensures a truly rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

• For the Salmon:
  • 1 pound fresh salmon, cut into 4 pieces
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Flour for dredging (all-purpose works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
  • 1-2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Optional Garnishes:
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

Salmon fillet thickness impacts cooking time; adjust accordingly for thinner or thicker cuts. If you love garlic, feel free to add a clove or two of minced fresh garlic with the sun-dried tomatoes. You can increase the amount of fresh spinach as it wilts down significantly. Heavy cream is crucial for the sauce’s luxurious texture. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. If your sun-dried tomatoes are not oil-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful creamy Tuscan salmon.

• Large skillet: A cast iron skillet is highly recommended for even searing.
• Fish turner or spatula: Essential for carefully flipping the salmon.
• Small prep bowls: Useful for seasoning and dredging ingredients.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your fantastic Tuscan salmon recipe. We break down each stage for a seamless cooking experience, ensuring perfect results every time.

1. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season each piece generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge the seasoned salmon in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear Salmon: Add the olive oil and butter to your large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and sizzles. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) into the hot skillet. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. The salmon should not be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the partially cooked salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Build Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken brot), fresh lemon juice, and drained sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and some liquid to reduce slightly. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce.
4. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly as it heats. Keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the cream from scorching.
5. Wilt Spinach & Finish Salmon: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the cream sauce. Let the spinach wilt for about 30 seconds. Once the spinach is mostly wilted, carefully return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The sauce will also thicken a bit more.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your creamy Tuscan salmon with thinly sliced fresh basil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Watch it closely and remove it from heat once it flakes easily to avoid dry fish.
• Ensure Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream (or whipping cream) is essential for achieving the best, rich texture in your sauce. Lighter creams may curdle or not thicken properly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before adding the salmon back in. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
• Remove Salmon Skin: If desired, you can carefully remove the salmon skin after searing the fillets for easier eating.
• Thicken Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Prevent Spinach Overcooking: Add spinach just before the final cooking stage to keep it vibrant and tender-crisp.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Tuscan salmon recipe pairs beautifully with many sides and offers simple ways to adapt it.

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve this creamy Tuscan salmon with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Toss it with cooked pasta like linguine or spaghetti for a complete meal.
  • Add roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
  • Complement the richness with a light, simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
• Storage & Reheating:
  • Store any leftover creamy Tuscan salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to thin the sauce if needed and prevent the salmon from drying out.
  • Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate and the salmon texture may degrade upon thawing.
• Variations:
  • Chicken Instead of Salmon: Easily substitute chicken breast or chicken thighs for the salmon. Adjust cooking times as needed.
  • Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes with the sun-dried tomatoes for a subtle heat.
  • Other Herbs: Experiment with other Italian herbs like dried oregano or fresh thyme alongside the basil.

Nutrition Information

This nutrition information for our creamy Tuscan salmon recipe is an approximation based on the ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. It provides a general guideline for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What type of salmon is best for this recipe? Fresh salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick, work best. Choose wild-caught or farmed based on your preference.
• Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil? Yes, you can. Rehydrate them first by soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened, then drain well.
• Is there a dairy-free alternative for heavy cream? Absolutely! Full-fat canned coconut milk (not light) or a specifically designed plant-based heavy cream substitute works well.
• How do I know when the salmon is cooked through? The USDA recommends that salmon reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is safe from potential foodborne illnesses and flakes easily with a fork. The color should change from translucent to opaque.
• Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can chop your sun-dried tomatoes and have your chicken broth measured. You can also prepare and season your salmon up to 30 minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe proves that elegant, flavorful meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a truly impressive dish perfect for any night of the week. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and discover its irresistible appeal. Share your experience and let us know what you think by leaving a rating and comment below!

Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

This creamy Tuscan salmon features pan-seared salmon cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil, finished with Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Flour for dredging
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see note)
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil sliced thin
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs

Method

 

Instructions

1. Season salmon pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge them in flour.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the floured salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until a crust forms. Remove the salmon and set it aside, as it will not be fully cooked yet.
3. To the same pan, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes, then let the mixture bubble for two minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional two minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, add spinach to the skillet until it wilts, then return the salmon to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For sun-dried tomatoes, either use oil-packed and drain them, or rehydrate dried ones before use.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com