Description
Delightful creamy Tuscan salmon brings Italian coastal flavors to home kitchens with minimal effort. Rich, herb-infused sauce and perfectly seared salmon promise a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with genuine Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Coat salmon fillets with a harmonious blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, massaging the spices into the fish for comprehensive flavor infusion.
- Searing Technique: Warm a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture becomes shimmering and aromatic, then carefully position the seasoned salmon to develop a golden-brown exterior, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until perfectly done.
- Flavor Base Development: Remove salmon and in the same skillet, quickly saute minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, releasing their intense aromatics and creating a robust foundation for the sauce.
- Sauce Creation: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping caramelized remnants, then whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
- Vegetable Incorporation: Fold fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, cooking until leaves transform to a vibrant green while maintaining their tender texture.
- Final Assembly: Gently reintroduce salmon fillets to the skillet, coating them generously with the rich sauce, and let the dish simmer briefly to harmonize flavors and ensure optimal temperature.
- Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional Parmesan cheese sprinkle, then serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Select Fresh Salmon: Choose high-quality, firm salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for best texture and flavor.
- Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown crust without burning the delicate fish or creating excessive smoke.
- Watch Cooking Time: Cook salmon precisely 3-4 minutes per side to prevent overcooking, ensuring moist, tender flesh that flakes easily with a fork.
- Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer cream sauce slowly, stirring continuously to prevent separation and achieve smooth, rich texture that coats salmon beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 548
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg