Mediterranean Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne

Mediterranean Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne

Table of Contents

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.

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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.

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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.