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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon filets finished in a luscious creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This quick 30-minute meal combines tender salmon with a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired sauce, making it ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner for three.

Ingredients

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

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon filets and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust; note the salmon will not be fully cooked yet as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the vegetables soften.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, then add the fresh baby spinach and let the sauce simmer gently until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste as desired.
  5. Finish Cooking the Salmon: Return the seared salmon filets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the salmon to finish cooking thoroughly while absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add the best flavor; drain slightly if using very oily tomatoes.
  • Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.