Name: Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained & sliced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; Optional: red pepper flakes

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Creamy Tuscan Salmon a golden-seared salmon fillets swim in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This one-skillet wonder strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease, making it just as fitting for busy weeknights as it is for a cozy dinner gathering.

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoon butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained & sliced)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

Optional: red pepper flakes

Directions

I start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Once done, I set them aside.

Reducing the heat to medium, I melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for another minute.

I pour in the chicken broth (or wine), letting it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Then, I stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

I add the spinach and cook until wilted, which takes just 1–2 minutes.

I return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over each piece. I let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes.

After tasting and adjusting the seasoning, I sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top if I’m in the mood for a little heat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken broth with white wine for a touch of acidity that brightens the sauce. When I want a richer flavor, I use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano. For a lighter version, I reduce the cream slightly and add a splash of milk. This recipe also works beautifully with shrimp or chicken if I don’t have salmon on hand.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the salmon.

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. It usually takes about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps get that perfect golden sear.

What should I serve with creamy Tuscan salmon?

I like serving it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The taste changes a bit, but it’s still delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. I always double-check labels on ingredients like broth and Parmesan to be sure.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan salmon is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s easy, indulgent, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dinner that impresses, this dish always delivers. With just one skillet and a handful of flavorful ingredients, it’s a go-to I never get tired of.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Golden-seared salmon fillets in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, made in one skillet for an easy yet elegant meal.

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
Adjust seasoning to taste and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired before serving.