Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon is a tasty dish that combines tender salmon with a rich, creamy sauce made of garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s quick and full of flavor!
Cooking this dish feels fancy, but it’s super easy. I love serving it with some pasta or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is ideal for this dish due to its rich flavor and juicy texture. If you can’t find salmon, trout or even chicken can work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using half and half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, which still tastes amazing!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice nutty flavor to the sauce. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect, but if you only have frozen available, that’s okay too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Cherry Tomatoes vs. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Both are delicious! Cherry tomatoes are fresh and juicy, while sun-dried tomatoes have a deeper flavor. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with fillets that are about the same thickness for even cooking. Thicker parts will take longer than thinner areas.
- Heat your oil on medium-high until shimmering before adding the salmon. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it, then flip and cook again. Look for a golden crust!
- To check doneness, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (62.5°C).
By following these tips, your salmon will be deliciously tender and flaky every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious meal takes about 25 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Salmon:
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. This will give them great flavor once they’re cooked!
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the salmon fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, ensuring they are cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now along with any remaining oil from the jar. If using fresh cherry tomatoes, chop them and add, cooking for about 1 minute so they soften up a bit.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Watch for bubbles forming; that means it’s warming up!
6. Mix in Cheese and Spices:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the creamy sauce. It shouldn’t take long—just a minute or so!
8. Nestle in the Salmon:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, placing them in the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon and let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely color. Serve warm, alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon meal! It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! Thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well and will add a subtle flavor to the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed for extra moisture.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just sauté them along with the garlic to ensure they cook properly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
