Mediterranean Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach
This creamy Tuscan salmon brings together tender pan-seared salmon, a rich garlic cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a Mediterranean-style dish that feels elegant but cooks quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. The sauce blends cream, Parmesan, herbs, and the savory flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Everything comes together in one pan, and the salmon stays soft and flaky while soaking up the sauce.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15–18 minutes
Total: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
Salmon
4 salmon fillets (about 4–6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained lightly)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (or use water for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season and sear the salmon
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down first for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Start the sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for about a minute.
Add cream and broth
Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir in the Parmesan until it melts and the sauce begins to thicken.
Add spinach
Add the spinach and let it wilt. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want light heat.
Return the salmon
Place the salmon back in the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
Finish with herbs
Add chopped basil or parsley right before serving.
Tips
Drying the salmon before searing helps it brown and cook evenly.
Don’t move the salmon while it sears. Leaving it undisturbed gives better color.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Parmesan melts best when added gradually.
You can use half-and-half instead of cream, but simmer gently so the sauce doesn’t separate.
Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they taste richer and blend into the sauce better.
Low heat at the end keeps the salmon soft rather than overcooked.
Variations
Light version
Use half-and-half and skip the butter. Add more broth to thin the sauce.
Tomato-rich version
Add a few spoonfuls of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for deeper flavor.
Creamy Tuscan chicken
Use chicken breast or thighs instead of salmon. Sear and finish the same way.
Extra vegetables
Add mushrooms, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
Herb-focused
Finish with thyme, basil, or dill depending on what you have.
Pasta skillet
Mix the salmon and sauce with cooked pasta for a complete one-pan meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I replace cream with milk?
Milk alone will not thicken well. Use milk mixed with a little cream or flour if needed.
What can I serve it with?
Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Reheat gently and add extra broth if it thickens too much.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Can I remove the cheese?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a teaspoon of flour to help it thicken.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: 560
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 540mg
Conclusion
This creamy Tuscan salmon is a simple dish that tastes rich and comforting without taking much time. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic give the sauce warmth, while the spinach adds color and freshness. It works for both easy weeknight meals and dinner guests. Serve it with your favorite grain or pasta and enjoy a complete Mediterranean-style meal with hardly any effort.