Description

A quick, budget-friendly weeknight dinner that comes together in one skillet. This creamy Tuscan salmon features seared fillets in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (about 6oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 cups fresh spinach
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes without touching, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly pink in the center. Remove salmon to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Remove pan from heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
Return salmon to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the fish and let sit on low heat for 1-2 minutes to finish cooking.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges, extra Parmesan, and fresh black pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce, as pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the fish, adding extra spinach or zucchini.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 600
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 35

Keywords: Tuscan salmon, one pan dinner, creamy salmon, weeknight dinner, budget meals, easy seafood, garlic cream sauce