This Creamy Tuscan Salmon recipe delivers rich, flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights—try this creamy salmon dish tonight!
Creamy Tuscan Salmon
If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner, this creamy Tuscan salmon recipe is exactly what you need. Made with succulent salmon fillets cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, this dish comes together quickly and delivers satisfying flavors every time.
Why You’ll Love It
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make, featuring fresh ingredients and bold Italian flavors. The creamy sauce is rich without being heavy, balancing tender salmon perfectly. Plus, it pairs well with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or pasta.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or off, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach (can substitute baby kale)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (use jarred in oil for best flavor)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through but still moist. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the hot skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir continuously until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add fresh spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until spinach wilts into the sauce.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon before serving.
For more quick dinner inspiration, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners collection. For tips on cooking seafood perfectly, visit Food Network.

Expert Tips
For the best results, choose fresh wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Keep an eye on the cooking time—salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking can dry it out. The skin side should be cooked first to achieve crispness. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can add a similar depth. To make it lighter, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Storage
Store leftover creamy Tuscan salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep salmon moist and sauce creamy. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because cream sauces can separate when thawed.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Recipe is naturally gluten-free; just verify seasonings if premixed.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Vegan: Substitute salmon with pan-seared tofu or tempeh, use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
- Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe contains no added sugars.
FAQ
- What is Creamy Tuscan Salmon? It’s a flavorful salmon dish cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe? Yes, thaw completely before cooking for even results.
- How do I know when the salmon is done? Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? The sauce is best made fresh but can be prepped up to one day before and reheated gently.
- Is Creamy Tuscan Salmon healthy? Yes, it provides protein and nutrients from salmon and spinach with a moderate amount of healthy fats.
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