Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this Tuscan salmon, where rich, velvety cream sauce embraces perfectly seared fish. Fragrant herbs and parmesan create a luxurious dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Cooking Liquids and Additions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Generously coat salmon fillets with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring even seasoning across the surface.
- Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until the mixture is shimmering and fragrant.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until fish is perfectly cooked through.
- Transfer salmon to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its crisp exterior.
- Using the same skillet, quickly saute minced garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen, taking care not to burn.
- Introduce sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, letting them soften and release their intense flavor for about one minute.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized bits from the bottom, which will enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Whisk in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
- Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, cooking until the leaves become tender and vibrant green.
- Carefully return salmon fillets to the skillet, delicately spooning the rich sauce over the fish to ensure complete coating.
- Let the dish simmer briefly, melding the flavors and ensuring the salmon is heated through.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for garnish.
- Serve immediately over your preferred accompaniment like pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Adjust salmon seasoning by using alternative spices like cajun or lemon pepper for variety in flavor profiles.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to create lighter, dietary-friendly sauce versions.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with minimal browning for optimal taste and texture.
- Prevent salmon from overcooking by using a meat thermometer, ensuring internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness without drying out the fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg