Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals: One Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a breeze to make, requiring just one pan and ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for an easy salmon dinner that feels a little bit special, you’ve come to the right place.
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe has become a staple in our home because it ticks all the boxes: flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, enveloped in a rich and flavorful salmon in cream sauce with the delightful sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. The best part? Minimal cleanup thanks to the one pan cooking method!
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof. The creamy Tuscan sauce is surprisingly simple to make, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fine Italian restaurant. Plus, using just one pan means less time washing up and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The creamy garlic sauce with Tuscan-inspired ingredients is irresistible.
- Restaurant-Quality: Impress your family and friends with this elegant dish.
- Healthy and Delicious: Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen (thawed) salmon works well. Choose skin-on or off based on your preference.
- Heavy Cream: This is the base of our rich and creamy sauce. Don’t substitute with milk for the best texture.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. Make sure to drain them well if they are packed in oil.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a touch of color and nutrients.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
Tips for Perfect One Pan Salmon
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This is crucial for getting a nice sear on the salmon.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Cook just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon can be dry.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water (if serving with pasta) or a little bit of milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Fresh is Best: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic and basil will provide the best flavor.
- Serve it Right: This One Pan Salmon is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic served over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Some Spice: A heaped teaspoon of homemade chili crisp can add a little heat to the sauce.
- Different Greens: Kale or other hearty greens can be used in place of spinach.
- Vegetables: Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or asparagus to the pan.
- Dairy-Free Option: While it will change the texture, you could try using full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Over Pasta: Toss with linguine, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
- With Rice or Quinoa: These grains are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Alongside Crusty Bread: For mopping up every last bit of the cream sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
If you loved this One Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know!
One Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon: A Quick Dinner Recipe
Indulge in this restaurant-quality One Pan Creamy Tuscan Salmon, ready in under 30 minutes. Tender, pan-seared salmon fillets are nestled in a luxurious garlic cream sauce, brought to life with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of basil. It's the perfect, elegant weeknight meal that tastes like a special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1: Sear the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast-iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, flesh-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.
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Step 2: Build the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
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Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted completely into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it has just wilted into the creamy sauce. Return the seared salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each fillet. Let the salmon simmer gently in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. This dish is best served immediately, straight from the pan.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 Fillet and sauce
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 832kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 69g107%
- Sodium 645mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 44g88%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Absolutely delicious! 10/10