Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Easy Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Indulge in a mouthwatering Tuscan salmon with parmesan cream sauce that promises a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

This elegant dish blends rich, creamy flavors with perfectly seared salmon for an unforgettable dining experience.

The parmesan cream sauce adds a luxurious touch to the tender, flaky fish.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate every single bite to pure culinary bliss.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients transform this salmon into a decadent masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Ingredients in Tuscan Salmon With Cream Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that forms the heart of this delicious Tuscan-inspired dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: These fats help create a golden sear and add rich flavor to the salmon.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides a fragrant and intense base flavor for the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
  • Spinach: Brings a fresh, green element and additional nutrition to the recipe.
Sauce Components:
  • White Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, lifting up flavorful cooking bits.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the salmon and sauce.
Optional Thinning Agent:
  • Chicken Broth: Can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

How to Make Tuscan Salmon From Scratch

How to Make Tuscan Salmon From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Salmon for Searing

Pat salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet with a combination of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place salmon skin side up and sear until the top turns golden brown.

Allow salmon to cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes.

Flip the fillet and cook the skin side for an additional 1-2 minutes until crispy.

The salmon will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Reduce skillet heat and add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Quickly sauté the ingredients, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.

Keep the heat low to prevent any bitter flavors from developing.

The goal is to release the delicious aromatics without scorching.

Step 3: Develop Sauce Depth

Pour white wine into the skillet and allow it to simmer.

Let the liquid reduce by half, which typically takes around 5 minutes.

This process helps concentrate flavors and lift the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.

Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth sauce.

Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Fold fresh spinach into the sauce.

Gently return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture.

Let everything simmer together for approximately 5 minutes.

Ensure the salmon is fully cooked and the sauce reaches a perfect creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

If the sauce becomes too thick, splash in some chicken broth or extra wine to achieve the desired consistency.

Tips for Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Sauce

Tips for Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Sauce
  • Pat fillets completely dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Keep heat low and watch carefully when sautéing garlic, as burnt garlic can quickly turn the entire sauce bitter and unpleasant.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding chicken broth or wine if it becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture every time.
  • Allow white wine to reduce by half to concentrate flavors and create a rich, deeper sauce base that complements the salmon beautifully.
  • Add fresh spinach at the end of cooking to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking, keeping nutrients and vibrant appearance intact.

Store and Reheat Tuscan Salmon Easily

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place the salmon and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Carefully transfer the salmon and sauce to a freezer-safe container, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate sauce and fish if possible to maintain better texture.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep moisture levels high.
  • Place salmon in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir sauce between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.

What to Serve With Tuscan Salmon

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the creamy Parmesan sauce and complement the salmon's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare thin asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted until slightly crisp, creating a perfect vegetable side that matches the Tuscan-inspired dish.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread: Create a rustic garlic bread using crusty Italian bread, brushed with olive oil and rubbed with fresh garlic, which will soak up the luxurious cream sauce and add textural contrast.
  • Match with Lemon Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette, providing a bright, peppery accompaniment that cuts through the sauce's richness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Fresh Takes on Tuscan Salmon Recipes

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular Parmesan with a certified gluten-free Parmesan and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Maintain the same cooking technique while adapting for sensitive dietary needs.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace white wine with chicken broth to reduce carbohydrates. Use a low-carb alternative like heavy cream and choose wild-caught salmon for enhanced nutritional profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Select a high-quality plant-based butter alternative for searing the salmon to maintain rich flavors.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme into the sauce. Add chopped kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean touch, enhancing the Tuscan-inspired flavor profile without changing core cooking techniques.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the flesh to turn opaque and easily flake with a fork.

  • Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Halibut, cod, or sea bass work great as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

  • What if I don't have white wine?

No worries. You can substitute with chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice. The key is to deglaze the pan and capture those delicious browned bits.

  • Is it okay to use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect golden sear.

Why You’ll Crave This Tuscan Salmon

Why You’ll Crave This Tuscan Salmon
  • Elevate your dining experience with this gourmet salmon dish that transforms a simple fish into a restaurant-worthy meal, packed with rich flavors and creamy textures.
  • No culinary degree required! This recipe breaks down complex techniques into simple steps, making restaurant-quality Tuscan salmon accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like swapping spinach with kale, using different herbs, or adjusting cream sauce thickness to match your taste preferences.
  • One-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Tuscan Salmon With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Tuscan salmon dances with creamy parmesan sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that whispers elegance on your plate. Herbed, pan-seared perfection meets rich, velvety notes you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 pieces salmon fillet

Dairy:

  • 50g/1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 250ml/1 cup double/heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Fresh Produce and Seasonings:

  • 30g/1 cup fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • salt and pepper

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 125ml/1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 34 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare salmon by patting fillets dry with paper towel, ensuring optimal searing. Season generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Heat combination of butter and olive oil in skillet over medium-high temperature (around 375°F). Place salmon skin-side up, allowing golden crust to develop without excessive movement. Sear for approximately 6 minutes.
  3. Flip salmon and cook skin side for additional 1-2 minutes until crispy. Surface should appear golden brown with slight caramelization.
  4. Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes into same pan. Sauté quickly—approximately 30 seconds—to release aromatic qualities without burning.
  5. Deglaze pan with white wine, allowing liquid to reduce by half over 5 minutes. This process intensifies sauce’s complexity and captures residual salmon flavors.
  6. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, watching sauce gradually thicken.
  7. Add fresh spinach leaves, gently mixing into developing cream sauce. Reintroduce salmon fillets, nestling them into sauce.
  8. Continue simmering for additional 5 minutes, ensuring salmon reaches perfect doneness and sauce reaches ideal consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
  9. Plate salmon, generously coating with luxurious Parmesan cream sauce and garnishing with remaining spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Notes

  • Pat salmon fillets completely dry before searing to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
  • Maintain medium-high heat when searing salmon to create a beautiful crust without burning the fish or causing it to stick.
  • Cook garlic at low heat for maximum flavor while preventing bitterness from burning, which can ruin the entire sauce’s taste profile.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding chicken broth or wine if it becomes too dense, ensuring a perfect creamy texture every time.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use plant-based Parmesan for a vegan-friendly alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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