Mediterranean Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne
A restaurant-style dinner made at home — this rich and creamy Tuscan salmon is seared to perfection and served over garlicky penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Total Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, ~6 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Penne:
8 oz (225g) penne pasta
Salted water for boiling
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Season & Sear the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and lemon juice.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and just cooked through.
Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Mix in parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and chili flakes. Stir well until cheese melts.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt & pepper.
Combine
Add the cooked penne to the sauce. Toss to coat well.
Gently nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan.
Spoon sauce over the top and warm for another 2 minutes on low heat.
Serve
Plate the creamy garlic penne and top with a salmon fillet. Garnish with extra parmesan and a lemon wedge if desired.
Tips & Variations
1. Dairy-Free Option:
Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
2. Add More Veggies:
Zucchini ribbons, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms blend perfectly with this Tuscan-style sauce.
3. Spice It Up:
Add more chili flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
4. Use Other Fish or Chicken:
This recipe also works beautifully with seared shrimp, trout, cod, or grilled chicken breast.
5. Make It Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of regular pasta.
6. Wine Pairing:
Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a Mediterranean-style dinner experience.
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Cook the sauce and pasta ahead and store them separately. Reheat and sear the salmon fresh before serving.
Q: Can I bake the salmon instead?
A: Definitely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add to the sauce.
Nutrition (Per Serving — 1 Salmon Fillet + Pasta)
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.
Calories: 610 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Omega-3s: High (thanks to salmon!)
Calcium & Iron: Moderate
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort. It’s packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, and bold Italian-Mediterranean flavors your audience will love. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or simply meal prepping for the week, this dish always delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.