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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 65 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta, potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for the salmon, plus more)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more)

Tuscan Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 18 ounces cherry tomatoes (half chopped, half whole)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for the sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 3–4 ounces spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Sear the Salmon: Heat a 12-inch high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Pat each salmon fillet dry and season the top side with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Cook the Salmon: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat. Place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin side down if applicable, ensuring they do not crowd the pan. Sprinkle the top side with additional salt and pepper. Sear for 1-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn off heat and remove salmon to a plate, keeping warm.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter to the residual oil in the pan. Once melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Cook Tomatoes: Add chopped and whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute until some tomatoes begin to split.
  5. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, about 2-4 minutes.
  6. Add Cheese and Greens: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese and 3-4 ounces chopped spinach. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.
  7. Finish the Sauce and Salmon: Add 1/2 bunch roughly chopped fresh basil to the sauce. Return the salmon fillets to the pan and gently heat through if needed.
  8. Serve: Plate the salmon topped with creamy Tuscan sauce. Serve alongside pasta, roasted or mashed potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on your preferred heat level.
  • Make sure the pan is very hot before searing the salmon to achieve a good crust.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; it should remain tender and moist.
  • Fresh basil added at the end brightens the flavor of the sauce.
  • This dish pairs well with a variety of side options like pasta, potatoes, or rice.

Keywords: Tuscan salmon, creamy salmon, seared salmon, Italian salmon recipe, salmon with cream sauce, garlic tomato sauce, quick dinner

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