This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Creamy & Flavorful – A luscious Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – A gourmet dish made easily in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
How to Make Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Salmon
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down first if using skin-on fillets.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 1 minute).
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
What to Serve With Tuscan Salmon
- Pasta – Serve over fettuccine or angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa – A great option to keep it gluten-free.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes pair beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli make a great side.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the salmon – It should be tender and flaky (internal temp of 125-130°F for medium).
Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor.
Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer longer, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
For extra richness – Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Storing & Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low-carb and perfect for a keto diet.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 40g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 30g | Sodium: 480mg
Enjoy this Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce as a decadent, creamy dish that’s bursting with bold flavors!
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Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Salmon
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down first if using skin-on fillets.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 1 minute).
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Don’t overcook the salmon – It should be tender and flaky (internal temp of 125-130°F for medium).
Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor.
Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer longer, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese.
For extra richness – Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian