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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets in a luscious creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The sauce is simmered to perfection with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, adding a delightful Italian flair to tender salmon.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 2 pieces 6 oz salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (use up to 1 cup if preferred)
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground basil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a pinker sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Salmon: Generously salt and pepper both sides of the salmon fillets to enhance flavor before cooking.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place the salmon fillets skin side down first, searing for about 5 minutes per side, until they develop a crisp golden crust and are cooked through. Timing may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Remove salmon from the pan using tongs and set aside on a plate. Alternatively, bake the salmon at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes for a quicker, oil-saving method.
  3. Prepare the Pan for Sauce: Carefully wipe the sauté pan clean if necessary, then return it to medium heat. Add remaining olive oil and butter, heating until shimmering but not burning.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, ground basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Combine well and let simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until cherry tomatoes blister. If blistering is slow, cover the pan briefly to help the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  6. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. Optionally, add tomato paste here for a pinker hue and richer flavor.
  7. Combine Salmon and Sauce: Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the creamy Tuscan sauce in the pan. Allow everything to meld together for a couple of minutes on low heat to finish cooking and absorb flavors.
  8. Serve: Plate the salmon topped with sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside roasted potatoes, garlic bread, salad, or over your favorite pasta for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan salmon!

Notes

  • You can bake the salmon instead of searing to save time and reduce oil usage.
  • Add more cherry tomatoes if you prefer a stronger tomato flavor and a chunkier sauce.
  • Use chicken broth for a richer sauce or vegetable broth to keep it lighter and vegetarian-friendly.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula if desired.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing to avoid bitter flavors.

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