Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is not just a mouthwatering dish; it’s pure comfort on a plate. Imagine perfectly seared salmon, glistening in a rich, velvety cream sauce laced with sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, combined with fresh spinach. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-soaked coasts of Italy. With its beautiful presentation and bold flavors, this dish is bound to impress any dinner guest or make for a cozy weeknight meal.
Table of Contents

I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for something that could pull double duty—a dish that could be quick enough for a busy weeknight yet fancy enough for hosting friends. Creamy Tuscan Salmon certainly ticks all the boxes; it’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and practically bursts with flavor. Trust me when I say that this is a recipe you will want to return to time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy—this dish is a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a dinner party, date night, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to adapt for low-carb lifestyles!

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 salmon filets (about 1 pound total): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon provides a buttery flavor and flaky texture. Look for fresh filets for the best results, or use frozen if that’s all you have.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and seasons the salmon perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and flavor dimension to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Great for searing, it adds healthy fats and wonderful flavor.
- ½ white onion diced: Offers a mild sweetness when sautéed, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These pack a tangy punch and a concentrated tomato flavor that’s heavenly in creamy sauces.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add burst and balance to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic provides a wonderfully fragrant and warm flavor, elevating any dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the base of your creamy sauce, providing richness that brings everything together.
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Melting into the sauce, it brings a savory depth and a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A dash of smokiness that complements the cream beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with warm herbs that make it taste truly Tuscan.
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrition while wilting down to a tender but flavorful addition.
- Salt to taste: Adjust to your liking, bringing out all the best flavors.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Pat the salmon dry: Start by patting your 3 salmon filets dry with a paper towel, which will help you achieve a beautiful sear. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the salmon filets skin-side down. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and fragrant. You don’t need to cook them completely at this stage; they’ll finish in the sauce later. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, still over medium heat, toss in your diced ½ white onion, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ cup cherry tomatoes, along with 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is fragrant and the onions are softened.
Create the cream sauce: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Add 1 cup of fresh baby spinach, stirring until it wilts. Taste the sauce and add salt as needed.
Simmer and serve: Carefully place the seared salmon back into the pan, spooning some of that luscious sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Storing & Reheating
To store your creamy Tuscan salmon, let it cool at room temperature for no more than two hours, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re planning to freeze it, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 3 months for the best flavor and texture. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to preserve the creaminess without separating. Keep in mind that reheating may alter the texture slightly, so stir in a splash of cream or a bit of broth to refresh the richness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking your salmon; it will continue to cook in the sauce. Aim for medium doneness for the best flavor and texture.
- Use room temperature heavy cream; it mixes better into your sauce without clumping.
- If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it with kale or leave it out entirely!
- Freshly shredded parmesan melts better than pre-packaged: grab a block and shred some right before cooking.
- To amp up the flavors, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or some fresh basil at the end for brightness.
Creamy Tuscan Salmon embodies comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely delicious, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility; you can easily pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that incredible sauce. Don’t shy away from experimenting with the ingredients—perhaps a dash of lemon juice or some capers for added zing? Whatever the twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure the salmon is fully thawed before cooking. If they aren’t fully thawed, you can gently cook them longer, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and nutritional yeast can replace parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor.
What should I serve with Creamy Tuscan Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Cooked salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A good rule of thumb is to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
- Spicy Bacon Tomato Pasta
- Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
- Easy Butter Chicken
- Clam Dip
- Herb Roasted Chicken Breast | Easy Spring Dinner
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a delightful dish featuring succulent salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy meal at home, it promises an explosion of flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 3 salmon filets (about 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ white onion diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon filets dry using a paper towel. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes or until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the heavy cream, add shredded parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Lower the heat and mix in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to simmer until the spinach wilts. Adjust the flavor with additional salt as needed.
- Return the salmon to the pan and allow it to simmer in the sauce for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
Notes
For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute the salmon with chicken if desired, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences, such as adding bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg





