Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe – Quick and Easy
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This Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Flaky salmon is smothered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that makes every bite absolutely irresistible!
This easy salmon recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. The fish is tender and moist, paired with a creamy sauce. For more simple salmon recipes, check out my Blackened Salmon Fillets, Zesty Bake Salmon, and Teriyaki Salmon Bowl!
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Tuscan Salmon Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast weeknight dinner.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in one pan.
- Flavor-Packed: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce takes this dish to the next level.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, without sacrificing flavor.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Elegant enough for guests, but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
- Leftover-Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers the next day for a quick lunch!
Getting to Know Salmon
The skin on salmon is totally edible if it’s cooked right! When pan-seared or baked, it gets nice and crispy, adding a flavorful, savory crunch. The skin has a rich, slightly earthy taste that complements the tender fish inside.
If you prefer to skip the skin, it’s super easy to remove—just slide a knife between the skin and the cooked fish, and it comes off effortlessly!
I love buying salmon with the skin on—it adds extra flavor to the fish, whether you decide to eat the skin or not!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list of ingredients might seem long, but don’t worry—most of it’s just seasonings and common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
- avocado oil – or olive oil
- unsalted butter
- salmon, 4 fillets – For a standard serving, plan on about 4 to 6 ounces of salmon per person. If you have big appetites or want leftovers, you can go up to 8 ounces per person!
- kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic
- lemon juice
- heavy cream
- grated parmesan
- fresh baby spinach
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- chopped fresh parsley
For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Simplified Directions for Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe
When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Season both sides of the salmon.
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and cook on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the salmon and set aside.
- Add garlic and lemon juice to the pan, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Lower the heat, pour in the cream and Parmesan, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach, tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Return the salmon to the pan and coat with the sauce to heat through. (135° F in the thickest part)
- Top with fresh parsley and serve over rice or pasta if desired.
Chef’s Notes For Perfect Pan Seared Salmon
- When cooking salmon always start with the fillets skin-side down in a very hot skillet. The skin is durable and can handle more time on the pan, helping prevent overcooking the salmon.
- Ensure the pan is very hot and the salmon is dry (pat with paper towels before seasoning).
- Season just before cooking; seasoning too early can draw out the liquid from the fish.
- Properly cooking salmon ensures flaky, moist fillets.
- Overcooking, especially individual salmon fillets, can dry them out.
- Use an instant-read thermometer; once it reaches 135°F in the thickest part, it’s done.
- Alternatively, check doneness by piercing the fillet with a fork—if it flakes easily, it’s ready!
- Plate the salmon skin-side down.
This creamy Tuscan salmon recipe is one of those dishes that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef without all the work. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night you want to impress without the stress!
Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound salmon, 4 fillets
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
Instructions
- Season both sides of salmon fillets with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Avoid overcooking—it should still be slightly underdone.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Add the garlic and lemon juice to the pan and cook until fragrant -about 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan, and stir for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the spinach, tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has wilted.
- Transfer the salmon back to the skillet.
- Coat the salmon with the sauce. Simmer on low for 1-3 minutes so the salmon is heated through.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve over rice or pasta if you’d like.
Notes
How Do I Store The Leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little cream or broth if needed to maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 678Total Fat: 59gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 397mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 31g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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