Creamy Tuscan Salmon (30 Minute Dinner!)
This rich and flavorful salmon is pan-seared and smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and basil—perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Sautéing, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
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
Instructions
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Sear salmon skin-side down (if using) for 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook another 3–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add Cream & Seasonings:
Stir in heavy cream, dried basil, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt fully. Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Stir in fresh basil.
Combine & Serve:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy Tuscan sauce over the top.
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for variety.
Great served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
