This Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon is a true delight! It’s made with tender salmon in a rich, creamy sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Yum!
You’ll love how quick it is to make this dish. I usually whip it up for dinner, and it’s perfect with pasta or rice. Dinner guests think I’m a gourmet chef! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you’re on a budget or can’t find salmon, feel free to swap it with tilapia or trout. Both are tasty and cook similarly!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers, though they will change the richness of the dish a bit.
Mushrooms: I like using cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor, but button mushrooms work too. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, just skip them or add a handful of more spinach.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious texture. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just note the flavor will change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice depth. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a cheese-like flavor.
How Do I Sear Salmon Perfectly?
Searing salmon might seem tricky, but it’s all about technique! Here are some steps to get that perfect crust:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the salmon. Heat olive oil until it shimmers.
- Place salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) and don’t touch it for 4-5 minutes. This helps it get a nice sear.
- When it’s time to flip, use a spatula and gently turn it over. Salmon should be golden and release easily from the pan.
- Cook on the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it’s just cooked through — it should still be slightly pink in the middle.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked salmon with a rich and creamy sauce! 😋
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
- 1/2 cup cooked linguine or fettuccine noodles (optional, to serve)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet fancy enough for company!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a nice sear! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced shallot, stirring and sautéing for about 1 minute, until they become fragrant and soft.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Mushrooms:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened.
5. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Make the Cream Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Add Spinach:
Fold in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking for about 2 minutes until they wilt nicely.
9. Toss with Pasta (Optional):
If you’re using pasta, this is the time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
10. Combine and Heat Through:
Finally, return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon some of the lovely sauce over them, and cook together for another 1-2 minutes to reheat.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve it hot, and enjoy this comforting, creamy garlic Tuscan salmon with your favorite side!
Bon appétit! 🐟🍝
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to place the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes to thaw quickly.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly. Just ensure you simmer it well to achieve a creamy consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon and sauce.
Tips for Adding More Vegetables?
Feel free to add more vegetables to the sauce! Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would all work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the veggies are tender but still retain their crunch.