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Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon

creamy garlic butter tuscan salmon - featured image

A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring salmon fillets in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and black pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if skin is on. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges turn opaque and crisp. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon and set aside. (7-8 minutes)
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. (1 minute)
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute, then add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. (3 minutes)
  6. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. (3 minutes)
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (2 minutes)
  8. Return salmon fillets to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and warm together for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Avoid moving salmon while searing to develop a crisp crust. Use skin-on salmon for extra flavor and protection. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives. To prevent sauce breaking, cook on medium heat and add cheese gradually.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, creamy garlic butter, Tuscan salmon, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, healthy dinner