Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Create an elegant Tuscan-style salmon dish with crispy-seared fish in a creamy Parmesan sauce, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:27:05 GMT
A piece of salmon fillet is served in a creamy sauce with herbs and diced ingredients in a black skillet. Pin it
A piece of salmon fillet is served in a creamy sauce with herbs and diced ingredients in a black skillet. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce holds such a special place in my kitchen. I discovered it one evening while craving something both comforting and elegant. The way that buttery salmon mingles with the garlicky cream sauce creates pure magic on a plate. It's become my go to recipe for turning ordinary evenings into memorable moments.

A Happy Kitchen Accident

Sometimes the best recipes come from following your heart instead of a recipe. That's exactly how this dish was born in my kitchen. I had some beautiful salmon fresh garlic and cream letting my instincts guide me created something so wonderful my family still talks about that first magical dinner.

A Taste of Tuscany

While you might not find salmon in traditional Tuscan cooking the flavors in this dish capture that wonderful Italian spirit. Those sweet sun dried tomatoes rich olive oil and good wine come together creating something that transports us straight to the Italian countryside.

Your Shopping List

  • Fresh Salmon: Get the best you can find
  • Fresh Garlic: No shortcuts here
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: They bring such sweetness
  • Good White Wine: One you'd happily drink
  • Heavy Cream: Makes everything luxurious
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated please
  • Baby Spinach: Adds beautiful color

Kitchen Tools We Love

My trusty skillet is the star here giving that salmon the perfect golden crust. A good fish spatula makes flipping so much easier. And don't forget your whisk it's essential for that dreamy sauce.

Creating The Perfect Sear

Pat your salmon really dry season it well then let it dance in that hot buttery oil. Watch for that gorgeous golden color developing. The key is patience let it create that beautiful crust before flipping.

Two perfectly cooked salmon fillets in a creamy sauce with spinach and diced vegetables in a skillet. Pin it
Two perfectly cooked salmon fillets in a creamy sauce with spinach and diced vegetables in a skillet. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Building Layers of Flavor

This is where the magic starts. When that garlic hits the pan with those sun dried tomatoes my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma. Just keep an eye on that garlic we want golden not brown.

Wine Works Wonders

Adding wine to the pan creates such excitement. Watch it bubble up lifting all those wonderful bits from the bottom. This step builds incredible depth in our sauce making everything taste even better.

Sauce Dreams Are Made Of

Now comes my favorite part. That cream swirling in creating rivers of white followed by a shower of parmesan. Adding the spinach watching it wilt then nestling our salmon back in its creamy bed pure heaven.

For My Dairy Free Friends

I love making this with coconut cream for friends who can't do dairy. The subtle coconut flavor adds something special while keeping that luxurious texture we all love.

Keeping It Light

Some nights we serve this over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. The sauce is so rich and satisfying you won't miss the pasta one bit.

Plant Based Magic

Even my vegan friends can enjoy these flavors. Crispy tofu soaks up that cashew cream sauce beautifully. Different but equally delicious.

Two pieces of grilled salmon in a creamy sauce with spinach and chopped ingredients, placed in a black skillet. Pin it
Two pieces of grilled salmon in a creamy sauce with spinach and chopped ingredients, placed in a black skillet. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Seasonal Inspirations

Summer brings fresh basil and tiny tomatoes from my garden. Come fall butternut squash adds such lovely sweetness. Each season brings new ways to enjoy this dish.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats crusty bread for soaking up that sauce. A simple green salad dressed with lemon keeps everything balanced. These simple sides let our star dish shine.

Saving Some For Later

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they stay beautiful for a couple days. Just warm everything gently the sauce will come back to life with a little cream or broth.

Feeding Those You Love

This recipe easily doubles for company. Just cook your salmon in batches keeping it warm while the sauce comes together. Everyone always wants seconds.

Kitchen Wisdom

Watch your salmon carefully it should be just flaky not overcooked. Keep stirring that sauce and trust your instincts on thickness. Every pan cooks a little differently.

Romance On A Plate

Some recipes just feel special and this is one of them. Light some candles pour some wine and let this dish create a restaurant worthy experience right at home.

A close-up of two filet pieces of salmon in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and small cubes of ham, served in a black skillet. Pin it
A close-up of two filet pieces of salmon in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and small cubes of ham, served in a black skillet. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Nourishing Goodness

I love how this dish brings together healthy fats from the salmon vitamins from our spinach and pure comfort from that sauce. Good food should nourish body and soul.

Your Kitchen Your Rules

Every time I make this dish it's a little different. Sometimes more herbs sometimes different cheese. That's the beauty of cooking make it yours and let it become part of your own kitchen story.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon should be slightly pink in the center and flake easily with a fork. It will continue cooking in the sauce, so don't overcook it during the initial sear.
→ Can I use different types of fish?
Yes, this recipe works well with other firm white fish like halibut or cod. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
→ What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use chicken broth or fish stock instead of wine. Add a splash of lemon juice to maintain the bright flavor.
→ Why pat the salmon dry?
Patting the salmon dry helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior. Moisture on the surface can prevent proper browning.
→ What sides go well with this dish?
Try mashed potatoes, crusty bread, angel hair pasta, or a light salad. The rich sauce pairs well with simple sides that can soak it up.

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Pan-seared salmon in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon butter.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 4 salmon fillets.
04 Salt and pepper to taste.
05 2 cloves garlic, minced.
06 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced.
07 1/2 cup dry white wine.
08 1 cup heavy cream.
09 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
10 1 cup fresh spinach.

Instructions

Step 01

Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter and oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 02

Cook salmon skin-side up for 6 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from pan.

Step 03

Lower heat and cook garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Pour in wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Step 05

Add cream and Parmesan. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 06

Add spinach and return salmon to pan. Simmer 5 minutes until salmon is cooked through.

Notes

  1. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
  2. Can thin sauce with broth if needed.
  3. Pat salmon dry for better searing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Fish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 35 g