This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's an easy yet elegant meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy Parmesan sauce enhances the salmon’s natural richness with a luscious, savory depth of flavor.
- It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for special occasions.
- The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic adds a delicious Tuscan-inspired touch.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- It’s a one-pan recipe, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Keto-Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are low-carb and serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.
- Spicier Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Protein Swap: Try this sauce with chicken or shrimp instead of salmon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: While the salmon can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If freezing, store the salmon separately and make fresh sauce when reheating.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
What can I serve with Tuscan salmon?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk will make the sauce thinner and less rich. If using milk, add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken it.
Conclusion
Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish made easy at home. With a rich, creamy sauce and a blend of bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for an indulgent meal that comes together quickly. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Tuscan
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a quick yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
- Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
