This Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon is a real treat! With buttery garlic sauce and fresh spinach, it’s both tasty and fancy enough for dinner. Perfect for impressing your family or friends!
We all know salmon is healthy, but it doesn’t hurt to make it taste amazing too! I love serving it with some rice or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this dish, but you can use other fish like trout or tilapia if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely cheesy flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes provide sweetness and vibrancy. You can swap them with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor, or use regular tomatoes cut into chunks if that’s what you have on hand.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
How Can I Ensure My Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be intimidating, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it every time. You want the salmon to be flaky and tender without overcooking it.
- Start with a hot skillet and place the fillets skin-side down. This helps achieve that delicious crispy texture.
- Watch closely for color change. Cook each side until golden brown; this usually takes about 4-5 minutes on one side and 2-3 minutes after flipping.
- Remember, salmon continues to cook from residual heat after removing it from the pan. It’s okay if it’s slightly undercooked in the middle—it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
For The Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- Cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few moments seasoning the salmon, sautéing, and then creating that delicious creamy sauce. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salmon:
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the fish, so don’t skip it!
2. Cooking the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the salmon is golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they are cooked through. When done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic!
4. Adding Cream and Cheese:
Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce thickens slightly. This is where the creamy goodness starts!
5. Adding Vegetables:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. You’ll love the vibrant colors!
6. Combining It All:
Now, return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
7. Serving Up Deliciousness:
If you’d like, serve the creamy Tuscan salmon over cooked pasta or with your favorite side dish. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw salmon is by placing it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Remember to pat it dry before seasoning.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and melted butter (about 3 parts milk to 1 part melted butter). The sauce may be a bit lighter in texture but should still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or microwave, as overcooking can dry out the salmon and make the sauce separate. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce if needed.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce. Just sauté them for a few extra minutes until they are tender before adding the spinach and tomatoes. This will add nice color and extra nutrients to the dish!
