Creamy Tuscan Salmon – A Luxurious One-Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Tuscan Salmon will quickly become a favorite. With perfectly seared salmon fillets simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and spinach, every bite is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s elegant enough for date night but simple enough for busy weeknights, making it one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

This dish takes inspiration from classic Tuscan flavors—creamy sauces, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and bold Italian seasoning. The salmon stays perfectly tender and flaky, while the sauce clings to every bite, making it ideal for serving with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s a wholesome meal that balances protein, vegetables, and flavor all in one skillet.

For more Italian-inspired dishes, you might love my Crab-Stuffed Salmon or these hearty Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats—both pair beautifully with this Tuscan salmon if you’re planning a themed dinner night.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Salmon

It’s a one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s quick and easy, ready in less than 30 minutes, but still feels elegant enough to serve to guests. The creamy Tuscan sauce is incredibly versatile—you can serve it over salmon, chicken, shrimp, or even just with pasta. The balance of rich cream, salty Parmesan, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes it comforting without being too heavy. It’s also customizable—swap vegetables, adjust seasoning, or add heat to make it your own.

Creamy Tuscan Salmon – A Luxurious One-Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Salmon is a rich, restaurant-quality dish made with tender seared salmon simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights at home!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 3

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

• For the salmon:
• 3 salmon filets about 1 pound total
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• For the sauce:
• ½ white onion diced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Season the salmon: Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
• Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet over medium heat, add onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
• Make the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low.
• Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach and simmer until wilted. Season with salt to taste.
• Finish with salmon: Return salmon to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 5–10 minutes, until fully cooked through.
• Serve: Spoon sauce over salmon and serve warm with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
• Swap salmon for chicken breasts or shrimp for variation.
• Best served immediately, but leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Keyword creamy salmon, Tuscan salmon, salmon in cream sauce, salmon dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the salmon

• 3 salmon fillets (about 1 pound total)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

For the sauce

• ½ white onion, diced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Step 1 – Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2 – Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down if using skin-on, and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. The salmon doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet since it will finish in the sauce. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the Tuscan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.

Step 4 – Add the Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a silky base.

Step 5 – Add Spinach and Simmer

Reduce heat to low and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Allow it to wilt into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 6 – Finish the Salmon

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, until cooked through and infused with the Tuscan flavors.

Step 7 – Serve

Serve hot with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. This creamy Tuscan salmon pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tuscan Salmon

Patting the salmon dry before searing ensures a golden crust. Don’t overcook the salmon—remove it from heat when it flakes easily with a fork. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. If you want extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end. To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream.

Variations & Substitutions

Use chicken breasts instead of salmon for a creamy Tuscan chicken version. Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery twist. Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies. Make it spicy by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Pasta is a classic choice, especially linguine or fettuccine, to soak up the sauce. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are excellent for a hearty side. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables. A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may split when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—just use a larger skillet to fit more salmon fillets.

Nutrition Facts

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that feels special. With its rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked salmon, it’s a dish that will wow your family or guests while still being simple enough for weeknights. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation.