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Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

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4 from 133 reviews

Savor the rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Salmon, featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a luscious garlic-infused tomato and spinach cream sauce, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs. This elegant yet simple dish combines Mediterranean ingredients for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Salmon

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

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 18 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 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. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the Salmon: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fillets are cooked halfway through. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked but still moist. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the smashed and minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and start to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  5. Add Cheese and Greens: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, fold in the roughly chopped fresh basil for a burst of fresh herbal flavor.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy Tuscan sauce over the top. Warm together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
  • Ensure salmon fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • You can use fresh cherry tomatoes or canned cherry tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.