Transform your dinner table into a high-end Italian restaurant with this luxurious Tuscan-style salmon recipe. This elegant dish combines perfectly seared salmon with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Best of all, this impressive meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For 2 servings:
For the Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz/170-225g each)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Tuscan Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon/9g)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach
- ½ cup (85g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Steps
- Prepare the Salmon (5 minutes)
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels
- Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides
- Let rest at room temperature while preparing other ingredients
- Sear the Salmon (6-8 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Once oil is shimmering, add salmon skin-side up
- Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
- Remove to a plate and tent with foil
- Start the Sauce (2-3 minutes)
- Reduce heat to medium
- Add butter to the same skillet
- Once melted, add minced garlic
- Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds
- Create the Cream Sauce (3-4 minutes)
- Pour in heavy cream
- Add grated Parmesan cheese
- Stir continuously until cheese melts
- Sauce should start to thicken slightly
- Add Vegetables (2-3 minutes)
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
- Stir in fresh spinach
- Cook until spinach wilts
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Finish the Dish (2-3 minutes)
- Return salmon to the skillet
- Spoon sauce over the fillets
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 685
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 52g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Salmon Selection and Preparation
- Choose center-cut salmon fillets of equal thickness
- Look for bright pink flesh and fresh ocean smell
- Remove pin bones with tweezers before cooking
- Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking
- Perfect Searing Technique
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat
- Ensure oil is hot before adding salmon
- Don’t move salmon while searing
- Look for golden-brown crust before flipping
- Sauce Perfection
- Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling
- Grate Parmesan fresh for best melting
- If sauce is too thick, thin with pasta water or chicken broth
- If too thin, simmer longer or add more cheese
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options
- Chicken breasts (adjust cooking time)
- Shrimp or scallops
- Firm white fish like cod or halibut
- Cream Alternatives
- Half-and-half for lighter version
- Coconut cream for dairy-free option
- Cashew cream for vegan variation
- Vegetable Variations
- Kale instead of spinach
- Roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes
- Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts
- Include cherry tomatoes for fresh burst
Common FAQs
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For medium doneness, the center should be slightly translucent. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently. Cook salmon just before serving for best results.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Pair with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. Garlic mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice work well too.
Q: How can I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
A: Keep heat moderate, avoid boiling, and stir continuously while adding cheese. Use room temperature cream and don’t overheat the sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Short-term Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container
- Best consumed within 2 days
- Store sauce separately from salmon if possible
- Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes on 50% power
- Stovetop: Low heat with splash of cream
- Avoid overheating to prevent dry salmon
- Stir sauce frequently while reheating
Make-Ahead Components
- Prep garlic and tomatoes in advance
- Measure out ingredients
- Make sauce base ahead (add cream when reheating)
- Final assembly should be fresh
This Tuscan salmon recipe brings together the best of Italian flavors with perfectly cooked fish. The combination of creamy sauce, tender salmon, and vibrant vegetables creates a memorable dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight dinner game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.