This Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon is a true treat! It features tender salmon in a rich, garlicky cream sauce packed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a dish that’s both fancy and quick? I usually serve it over pasta or rice, and my family can’t get enough. It feels like a restaurant meal at home! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh fillets are best for this dish. However, if you can’t find salmon, you can substitute with trout or even chicken breast if you prefer another protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a great kick of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but I recommend using less, around half a teaspoon, since it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or coconut cream. Both will change the flavor slightly but still create a nice creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes work well too. Just drain them to avoid too much liquid.
Spinach: Baby spinach is tender and cooks quickly. If you have kale or Swiss chard, they make great substitutes. Just cook them a bit longer until they’re tender.
How Can I Make Sure My Salmon Doesn’t Overcook?
Overcooked salmon can be dry, so timing is key. Follow these simple tips:
- Use a meat thermometer. Salmon is perfectly done at 125°F (about 52°C).
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear quickly, then reduce the heat when you add the sauce.
- Keep the salmon in the sauce just until warmed through—around 2-3 minutes should suffice.
By keeping an eye on the temperature and cooking time, you’ll get perfectly moist salmon every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Crumbled crispy bacon or pancetta for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salmon:
Start by seasoning both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step adds great flavor to the fish.
2. Searing the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. When done, gently remove the salmon from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it cooks quickly!
4. Adding the Tomatoes:
Now, add in your cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly and start to release their juices. This will create an even more flavorful sauce.
5. Pouring in the Liquids:
Next, pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and use a wooden spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This adds amazing depth to your sauce!
6. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce begins to thicken. It should be creamy and inviting.
7. Adding Spinach and Seasoning:
Throw in the baby spinach and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and everything is combined. It adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition!
8. Bringing it All Together:
Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet and gently spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for another 2-3 minutes; this helps the salmon absorb some of that delicious flavor.
9. Finishing Touches:
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, sprinkle some crispy bacon or pancetta on top for added crunch and flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy garlic Tuscan salmon immediately! It’s fantastic over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Enjoy every bite!
This dish is sure to impress your family and friends—happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. You can thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture when searing.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream. Just remember that this will slightly alter the flavor and consistency but will still create a creamy sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Dish?
Absolutely! While spinach and tomatoes are traditional, you can swap them for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just cook them down until tender before adding the cream and cheese to create a flavor-packed sauce.
