This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you’re looking to break free from boring weeknight dinners, this Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe is your new go-to. Made with simple ingredients like garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh salmon fillets, this dish is easy enough for a busy Monday but feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant.
Do you remember my Marry Me Chicken recipe? This One Pan Tuscan Salmon Recipe is inspired by it.
It’s pan-seared to perfection, nestled into a velvety creamy sauce, and finished with herbs and vibrant vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even red peppers if you like a pop of color.
This recipe comes together in one pan, over medium-high heat, and is full of flavor thanks to spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, and optional heat from red pepper flakes. Whether you serve it with roasted asparagus, cauliflower rice, or just a fresh green salad, this salmon dish is anything but basic.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One-pan dish with minimal cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Cozy, creamy, and full of Mediterranean flavor
- Easy to customize with your favorite side dish like green beans, broccoli, or crusty bread
- Stores well in the refrigerator for leftovers the next day
What You’ll Need To Make This Tuscan Salmon Recipe
Here’s everything for this simple, beautiful dinner:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, cut into 4 pieces
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or dry)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 1–2 cups baby spinach
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
How to Make Salmon With Tuscan Sauce
- Season the salmon:
Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge in flour and shake off the excess. - Sear the salmon:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside (it won’t be fully cooked yet — that’s okay). - Make the sauce base:
In the same pan, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to infuse flavor. - Add the cream:
Stir in the cream and let it gently bubble for a few minutes to thicken slightly. - Finish with spinach + salmon:
Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in spinach until wilted. Nestle the salmon back in and let it simmer until cooked through (about 4–5 minutes). - Serve:
Top with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets dry before cooking to lock in the moisture and get that perfect golden sear.
- Cook skin-side down first to protect the delicate fish and make flipping easier. This of course is optional. It really doesn’t matter what side is cooked first, since we are serving the fish with sauce. A fish spatula is super helpful here.
- Use a combo of butter and olive oil to build flavor from the base.
- Want more depth? Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
- Out of cream? You can substitute with coconut cream or even a mix of milk and cream cheese.
- Toss in a few sliced onions or extra minced garlic for a richer base.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil right before serving.
What to Serve With It
- Easy Roasted Broccoli
- Chili Lime Apsaragus
- Garlic And Parmesan Potatoes
- Purple Cabbage Salad
- Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower
FAQ
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking so you still get that golden crust.
Coconut cream works well in this Tuscan salmon recipe, if you’re dairy-free. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk — the sauce will be thinner but still delicious.
Absolutely. This sauce is made for soaking into pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash.
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the sauce ahead of time and sear the salmon just before dinner for max freshness and flavor.
This recipe has that balance I’m always chasing — cozy but fresh, rich but not heavy. It’s the kind of dinner that makes your kitchen smell amazing and everyone ask for seconds. And honestly? It’s one of the easiest ways to fall back in love with salmon.
Let me know if you make it! And if you’re looking for more cozy dinners, here are a few reader favorites:
- Marry Me Chicken
- Pan Grilled Flank Steak With Chimichurri
- Low Carb Cauliflower Casserole
- Pork Loin Chops With Mushrooms
Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillets, cut into 4 pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 –3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream, or whipping cream
- 1 –2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, optional
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Sear the salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the salmon, skin-side down, and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Deglaze the pan: In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Add sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream. Simmer on medium heat for another few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add veggies: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return the salmon to the pan and let everything simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish & serve: Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
