Name: Creamy Tuscan Salmon (30 Minute Dinner!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each); Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Tuscan salmon because it’s incredibly easy and unbelievably good. The sauce is creamy but not too heavy, thanks to the brightness from cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. The salmon stays juicy with a perfect sear, and the whole dish comes together in one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a dinner that looks fancy, tastes gourmet, and fits comfortably into my weeknight routine.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried basil
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1½ cups chopped fresh spinach
¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Directions

I begin by patting the salmon fillets dry and seasoning both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, I add the salmon skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, just until golden and cooked through. I remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat to medium, then melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
I toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften and blister slightly.
I pour in the heavy cream and stir in the dried basil, cayenne pepper, and more black pepper. I let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Once the cream thickens slightly, I stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
I add the chopped spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
I return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and sprinkle everything with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Here’s how I like to switch things up depending on what I have or what I’m craving:

I swap salmon for shrimp or chicken for a different protein.
For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and skip the cheese.
I throw in sun-dried tomatoes if I’m out of fresh cherry ones.
Sometimes I stir in cooked pasta or serve it over rice for a more filling meal.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm everything gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving the salmon if possible to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before searing. That helps get a nice crisp on the outside.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

I look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F. It should still be moist and tender inside.

What’s the best side dish for Tuscan salmon?

I usually serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side salad or steamed green beans rounds out the meal perfectly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made the sauce earlier in the day and reheated it before adding the salmon. Just reheat gently and stir well to keep it smooth.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not overly. The cayenne adds a subtle kick, but I adjust the amount depending on who I’m serving. I leave it out entirely for a milder version.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is my favorite kind of dinner—fast, flavorful, and full of ingredients I actually enjoy cooking with. It’s got that restaurant-quality wow factor but is simple enough for any night of the week. The combination of creamy sauce, vibrant veggies, and tender salmon makes it a recipe I turn to again and again whenever I want something that feels indulgent but fits into my real-life schedule.