Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

$- 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving The key to making Tuscan salmon in cream sauce is choosing fresh, quality ingredients. Salmon fillets serve as the star of the dish. I prefer wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor and firm texture. The olive oil provides the perfect base for cooking. Garlic adds depth, while cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. Next, we have heavy cream, which creates that luscious sauce. Dried Italian seasoning enhances the flavor profile, bringing in herbs like oregano and thyme. Salt and pepper are essential to balance the dish. Finally, fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese finish the meal with bright, fresh notes. Each ingredient plays a role, so choose carefully for the best outcome. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. 2. Season the 4 salmon fillets with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Carefully place them in the hot skillet. 3. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes. You want a golden-brown crust. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate. 1. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic. This step adds a great flavor. 2. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften. 3. Toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another minute until the spinach wilts. Stir to mix with the garlic and tomatoes. 4. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously to blend all the ingredients. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. 1. Gently return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the salmon. Let it warm together for another minute. 2. Taste the sauce. Adjust the flavor with more salt and pepper if needed. 3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich finish to the dish. To get the best out of your salmon, sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This time gives the fish a lovely golden crust. Always start with a hot skillet. This helps to lock in the moisture and flavor. For a creamy sauce, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it in continuously to get the right texture. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is key for that rich, velvety finish. Seasoning is key. Use salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can adjust the dried Italian seasoning based on your preference. Feel free to add more vegetables. Zucchini or bell peppers work well. They add color and extra nutrition to your dish. You can also experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for a little heat. Presentation matters! Serve each salmon fillet on a bed of creamy sauce. Place extra cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach around the plate. This makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Add some grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. These touches make your dish not just tasty but also beautiful. Pro Tips Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and health benefits. Farmed salmon can be a good alternative but may have a milder taste. Perfectly Sear the Salmon: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a perfect golden crust. Avoid moving the fillets too much during cooking. Enhance the Cream Sauce: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce along with the heavy cream. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish. Don't hesitate to mix and match basil with other herbs for a unique twist. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, you can use different proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Simply cook it until it’s tender and juicy. Shrimp is another great option. Just sauté the shrimp until pink and cooked through. For those who prefer a dairy-free meal, try using coconut cream. It gives a nice richness to the sauce. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. Both options keep the dish creamy without dairy. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices. Fresh dill adds a bright taste. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Thyme, oregano, or even cilantro can work well too. Adding other vegetables can enhance the dish. Zucchini or bell peppers bring color and sweetness. You might also consider mushrooms for a hearty touch. Just sauté them along with the garlic for the best flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. The creamy sauce clings to noodles or grains, making each bite delicious. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you want a lighter option, transform it into a salad. Serve the salmon and sauce over mixed greens. Add some avocado or sliced cucumbers for crunch. This makes a fresh, vibrant meal that’s great for warm days. To store leftovers of Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce, let it cool first. Place the salmon and sauce in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. Make sure the lid seals tightly to prevent air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat without drying out, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it on low. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Warm it for about 5-7 minutes, turning gently. In the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes at medium power. Check for warmth before serving again. Making Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce is quick. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking takes around 15 minutes. So, the total time is about 25 minutes. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can freeze this dish. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You have many great options! Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Garlic bread - Pasta tossed in olive oil - A fresh green salad These sides complement the creamy sauce well and enhance your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching! Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce is a delightful dish, simple to make and rich in flavor. We covered the main ingredients, from salmon to fresh spinach. You learned how to prepare the salmon, make a creamy sauce, and finish with tasty garnishes. Tips for cooking and serving enhanced your dish even more. Feel free to experiment with variations and sides. Each bite brings comfort and joy. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this easy recipe!$

Tuscan Salmon in Cream Sauce

A delicious and creamy salmon dish infused with garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, ensuring they are seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sear each side for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the fillets achieve a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this step infuses the oil with garlic flavor.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional minute until they wilt, stirring to combine with the other ingredients.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Gently return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for another minute, ensuring the salmon is heated through.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper, according to preference.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with vibrant fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish.

Notes

To create an appealing presentation, serve each salmon fillet on a generous bed of the creamy sauce, placing extra cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach artfully around the plate to add color and vibrancy.

Keyword cream sauce, Italian, salmon