Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish featuring pan-seared salmon fillets cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on (about 6 oz each)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a crispy exterior.
- Pan-Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the sun-dried or cherry tomatoes, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until it is wilted, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to warm the salmon thoroughly and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the salmon fillets, generously spoon over the creamy Tuscan garlic sauce, and serve immediately with your choice of side such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- To reduce calories and fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 125°F for medium doneness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense flavor, but fresh cherry tomatoes add a pleasant sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan cheese and use a non-dairy cream substitute.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture, but baby kale can be a good alternative.
