Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe
Since nobody has time for elaborate dinners, I wanted something that looked elegant yet needed little work. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and swimming in a thick, garlicky sauce that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant, this creamy Tuscan salmon is the epitome of perfection.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
For the salmon:
– 2 salmon fillets
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
For the sauce:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup baby spinach
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup chicken broth
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Cook the salmon:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce:
– In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach and red pepper flakes, letting it wilt.
Combine everything:
– Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in Parmesan and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish the dish:
– Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Add lemon juice, let everything simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
Serve:
– Enjoy warm with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips & Tricks:
Crispy Skin: If using skin-on salmon, start by searing skin-side down for a crispy texture.
Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
More Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a richer taste.
Extra Protein: Toss in shrimp or chicken for a seafood or surf-and-turf twist.
Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 550
Protein: 40g
Fat: 40g
Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg