Description
Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
:
Prepare the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Spinach and Salmon:
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve:
Plate the salmon and drizzle with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner!
With tender salmon and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil, then season generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This ensures a crisp sear.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, place salmon skin-side up (if skin-on) and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Combine Liquids & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the pan to incorporate the flavorful browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Thicken & Flavor: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in grated Parmesan until melted. Add Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Let sauce thicken slightly.
6. Final Assembly: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the luxurious sauce. Serve over a bed of fettuccine, pappardelle, or angel hair pasta. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or creamy mashed cauliflower. Roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provide perfect contrasting textures and flavors.
How-to Summary
Sear seasoned salmon fillets until golden and set aside. In the same pan, create a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Wilt spinach in the sauce, then return the salmon to the skillet to warm through. Serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. This sauce is excellent with chicken breasts, shrimp, or even meaty mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make the sauce lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but note the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
My sauce broke or looks grainy. What happened? This can occur if the heat is too high when adding the dairy or cheese. Always simmer gently and add Parmesan off the direct heat, whisking constantly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the sauce components, but for best results, cook and serve immediately. Reheating can overcook the salmon.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers or a tablespoon of tomato paste for a different but equally flavorful twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Sear salmon in batches if needed. Crowding steams the fish instead of creating a golden crust.
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté garlic on medium heat only until fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Liquid: High heat can cause the cheese to seize. Ensure the sauce is at a gentle simmer or remove from heat before whisking in Parmesan.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It will continue to cook slightly when returned to the warm sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a restaurant-quality meal achievable in your own kitchen. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll master a dish that is both impressively elegant and deeply comforting. The combination of tender salmon, vibrant spinach, and rich, garlicky sauce guarantees a memorable dinner. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of creating this flavorful masterpiece.