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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

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4.1 from 41 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets served in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil. Infused with Parmesan and a hint of cayenne, it’s an elegant yet easy dish ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 ounce salmon fillets (4 fillets)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for the salmon, plus more as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more as needed)

Tuscan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic (smashed and minced)
  • 18 ounces cherry tomatoes (half chopped, half whole)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 3-4 ounces spinach (chopped)
  • 1/2 bunch fresh basil (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Salmon: Heat a 12-inch high-sided skillet over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes until very hot. Meanwhile, pat the salmon fillets dry and season the tops with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the hot pan, swirling to coat. Immediately place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down if skin-on, spacing them apart to avoid steaming. Sprinkle the exposed sides with additional salt and pepper. Sear for 1-3 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn off the heat and remove salmon to a plate, keeping warm.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: Over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter to the residual oil in the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes: Place half of the cherry tomatoes (chopped) and the other half (whole) into the pan. Cook for 1 minute until some tomatoes begin to burst.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a light simmer over 2-4 minutes.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and 3-4 ounces chopped spinach. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts.
  7. Add Fresh Basil and Reintroduce Salmon: Mix in half a bunch of roughly chopped fresh basil. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, gently heating them through if needed.
  8. Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan salmon with your choice of pasta, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it on its own with a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • Do not overcook salmon to prevent dryness; aim for a slightly pink center.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference for more or less heat.
  • Fresh basil adds brightness—don’t skip it for the authentic Tuscan flavor.
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
  • Use a heavy skillet with high sides to avoid splatters while searing.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/creamy-tuscan-salmon-recipe/