There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, creamy dish that feels indulgent yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Enter Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce, a dish that checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. Think tender, flaky salmon paired with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The result? A restaurant-quality dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home. Whether I’m cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this Tuscan salmon never fails to deliver rave reviews. The best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.
So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into this creamy, flavor-packed Tuscan Salmon recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but impressive.
- Packed with flavor: The garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach creates a burst of deliciousness in every bite.
- Restaurant-quality: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. You can even make it a low-carb meal by serving it with steamed veggies or cauliflower mash.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy sauce and the buttery salmon.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Tuscan salmon:
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps sear the salmon to golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds a light, fruity flavor.
- 4 salmon fillets: Use skin-on fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon and the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
- 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet punch to the dish.
- 125ml/½ cup dry white wine: Enhances the sauce with acidity and depth. Substitute with chicken broth if needed.
- 250ml/1 cup heavy cream: The base for that luxuriously creamy sauce.
- 50g/½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty richness to the sauce.
- 30g/1 cup fresh spinach: Provides a pop of color, flavor, and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures the salmon gets a nice golden sear.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of butter and oil prevents burning while creating a flavorful base.
- Place the salmon skin-side up in the pan and sear for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the salmon and cook the skin side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and let them sauté briefly to release their flavor.
4: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing by half. This step concentrates the flavor and creates a perfect base for the sauce.
5: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it heat gently over low-medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt, if needed.
6: Add the Spinach
- Toss the fresh spinach into the sauce and let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the sauce.
7: Simmer the Salmon
- Carefully return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon to coat it. Let the dish simmer gently for 5 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through and infused with the sauce’s flavors.
How to Serve
This Tuscan salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Pasta: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Rice: Pair with fluffy white rice or creamy risotto to soak up that luscious sauce.
- Vegetables: Keep it light with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or zucchini noodles.
- Bread: Don’t forget the crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
Additional Tips
- Choose fresh salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference. Look for firm, bright fillets with no fishy smell.
- Don’t skip the sear: A golden crust on the salmon adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish.
- Wine alternatives: If you don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth works as a great substitute.
- Grate your Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes far superior to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or milk to thin it out.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast as a substitute for Parmesan cheese.
- Low-Carb: Skip the white wine and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- Vegetarian: Swap the salmon for pan-seared tofu or hearty portobello mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra color and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a hint of heat.
Freezing and Storage
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing: While the sauce is best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet is perfect for cooking the salmon and sauce evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Essential for deglazing the pan and stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Microplane grater: Makes grating Parmesan cheese a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a proper sear.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently and add the seared salmon just before serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Yes, chicken or vegetable broth works well. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How can I keep the salmon moist?
Avoid overcooking it. The salmon will finish cooking as it simmers in the sauce, so keep an eye on it to prevent dryness.
Conclusion
Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is the perfect dish to elevate any meal. Its creamy, garlicky sauce and tender salmon make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your finished dish and share it with friends—you’ll love showing off this beautiful and delicious meal!
So, grab your skillet and treat yourself to this comforting, indulgent dinner tonight. You’ve got this!
Print
Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a quick and creamy dinner bursting with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3–4 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 125ml/½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 250ml/1 cup heavy cream
- 50g/½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 30g/1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear in butter and oil until golden. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same pan. Deglaze with wine and reduce by half.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Add spinach and let it wilt.
- Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared and simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired