Description
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon filets simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. It's a quick and elegant dish ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a comforting dinner that's both satisfying and indulgent.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 3 salmon filets (about 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Sauce
- ½ white onion, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry using a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon filets and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The salmon does not need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced white onion, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the vegetables have softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and then add the fresh baby spinach. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until the spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Adjust seasoning with additional salt to taste if desired.
- Finish Cooking the Salmon: Place the seared salmon filets back into the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes over low heat until the salmon is cooked through and tender, absorbing the creamy Tuscan flavors. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the aromatics.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best richness; drain them slightly if too oily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
