Description
Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a luscious creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This 30-minute recipe delivers a deliciously indulgent meal ideal for dinner gatherings or a special weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce & Garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Cook each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to incorporate extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Then fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Add red pepper flakes at this stage if using for a slight heat.
- Finish Cooking the Salmon: Return the partially cooked salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 125–130°F for medium doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; drain excess oil before adding.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste to control spiciness.
- Monitor salmon’s internal temperature to avoid overcooking and preserve moistness.
- This recipe pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes or a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tuscan salmon, creamy salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, skillet salmon, Italian seafood recipe, creamy garlic sauce
