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- 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Additional seasonings (salt and pepper) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) To make Creamy Tuscan Salmon, you'll need fresh and simple ingredients. The main star is the salmon, which brings a rich flavor. You will also need olive oil for searing. Garlic adds a great aroma and taste. For the sauce, cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Heavy cream delivers that creamy texture we all love. Grated Parmesan cheese gives it a nice depth. The dried Italian herbs enhance the overall flavor, making this dish irresistible. Optional ingredients like torn basil leaves make the dish look pretty. You can also adjust the taste with salt and pepper. Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to cook a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Wait until it shimmers. Next, place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear each fillet for about 4-5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the fish looks opaque and has a golden brown crust. When done, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate. In the same skillet, add 3 finely minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for around 30 seconds. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Once fragrant, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes. This will help them soften and release their juices. Next, stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Cook until they wilt. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Carefully return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each fillet. Allow everything to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve the creamy Tuscan salmon on warm plates, topped with the sauce and garnished with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of color. To get the best sear on your salmon, start with a hot skillet. Warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Place the salmon skin-side down. This helps keep it moist. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Look for a nice golden crust. For doneness, check the center. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Want to switch things up? You can swap salmon for trout or even chicken. If you like a lighter sauce, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. To boost flavor, use more garlic or add lemon juice. You can also mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper to your taste. For a beautiful plate, serve the salmon over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta. Drizzle the sauce on top and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Add fresh basil leaves for color. You can also use a lemon wedge on the side. This adds a nice pop and makes the dish look vibrant. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh produce enhances the dish’s overall taste and texture. Perfectly Sear the Salmon: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon to achieve a nice golden crust. This adds a delicious depth of flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth while maintaining the richness with the Parmesan cheese. Garnish with Flair: Adding torn fresh basil right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish's aroma and flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch up the salmon for other fish like trout. Trout has a nice flavor and cooks fast. If you want a lighter option, use chicken. Just make sure to cook it until it's safe to eat. For a plant-based dish, use tofu or tempeh. Both soak up flavors well and add great texture. Feel free to play with the herbs in this dish. Try adding fresh dill or parsley for a new twist. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a fresh taste. Just mix it in before serving for a zesty kick. This creamy salmon pairs well with many sides. Try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or with pasta. Both soak up the sauce nicely. For a fresh touch, add a salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. To store leftover salmon, let it cool first. Then, place the salmon in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. For the creamy sauce, store it separately in its own container. This helps to keep it fresh and tasty. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the salmon gently. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of cream to keep it moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. You want it warm but not overcooked. You can also microwave it on medium for 2-3 minutes. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Yes, you can freeze creamy Tuscan salmon! Place the salmon and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly as mentioned before. This way, you enjoy great flavor even after freezing. Making Creamy Tuscan Salmon takes about 25 minutes in total. The prep time is quick, just 10 minutes. Searing the salmon takes about 10 minutes. Cooking the sauce with garlic, tomatoes, and spinach takes another 5 to 7 minutes. This dish is fast and fits well into a busy schedule. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! You can cook the salmon and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the salmon gently. Warm the sauce on low heat. This method keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Creamy Tuscan Salmon goes well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Creamy mashed potatoes - Al dente pasta - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A fresh green salad with a light dressing - Garlic bread for a crunchy side These pairings enhance the meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoy exploring different combinations! This blog post covered how to make delicious Creamy Tuscan Salmon. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to create a flavorful sauce and achieve the perfect sear on salmon. Remember, you can customize this dish with different ingredients or sides. Whether you add herbs or swap proteins, the options are endless. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty meal with others!

Creamy Tuscan Salmon Delight

A rich and creamy salmon dish with cherry tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a delightful meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and golden brown. Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a warm plate; set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant—be cautious not to burn the garlic.
  • Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and pop, releasing their juices into the pan.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking until they are just wilted—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy.
  • Carefully return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the luxurious creamy sauce over them. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
  • Serve your creamy Tuscan salmon on warm plates, generously topped with the sauce and garnished with torn fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside al dente pasta.
Keyword creamy, dinner, easy, Italian, salmon