Creamy Tuscan Salmon – Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a luxurious yet easy weeknight dinner that combines tender pan-seared salmon with a rich, creamy garlic sauce filled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor, creamy, savory, and slightly tangy. This one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can enjoy right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sauce: A luscious blend of garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
• Quick and easy: On the table in 25 minutes with minimal prep.
• Restaurant-quality flavor: Perfect for date nights or special dinners.
• One-pan meal: Simple cleanup and all-in-one cooking.
• Customizable: Add shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms for variety.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the salmon: Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add spinach and cheese: Stir in spinach and Parmesan until wilted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
6. Combine and serve: Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Garnish and enjoy: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Make it dairy-free using coconut milk and vegan Parmesan.
• Serve over linguine, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Use frozen salmon fillets (thawed) for convenience.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Best not to freeze once combined, as the cream sauce can separate.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with pasta for a comforting dinner.
• Pair with steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Add a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes. Thaw it completely before searing for even cooking and best texture.

Can I replace cream with milk?

You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a spoonful of cream cheese to help thicken it.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Try cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tart flavor.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked salmon.

Ready to Make It?

Creamy Tuscan Salmon brings a touch of luxury to your dinner table — rich, garlicky, and absolutely irresistible. Save this recipe for your next elegant dinner night or when you want something indulgent yet simple.

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