This creamy garlic Tuscan salmon is a true treat! Made with juicy salmon, garlic, and a rich sauce, it’s bursting with flavor and just perfect for dinner.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love this dish? The sauce is so good that sometimes I just want to eat it with a spoon! Serve it with pasta or veggies, and you’re set for a wonderful meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here, offering great flavor and texture. If salmon is hard to find, try using tilapia or chicken breast instead. Both will work well with the creamy sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy kick! If you can’t find them, sundried tomato paste or roasted red peppers can be a good substitute. Just chop them up and add them for a similar flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the creaminess will be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk or a non-dairy yogurt.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is great for flavor. If you don’t have it, mix your own using dried basil, oregano, and thyme. It makes a fantastic and aromatic substitute!
How Can I Perfectly Sauté Garlic and Onions Without Burning Them?
Sautéing garlic and onions can be tricky since they can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat when adding oil to the skillet; this prevents burning.
- Add onions first, as they take longer to cook. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
- Then, add minced garlic. It only needs 30 seconds to a minute to cook. Keep stirring to prevent it from browning too much.
- If you see that garlic is starting to brown, immediately lower the heat or remove the pan from the heat briefly.
Getting this step right enhances the entire dish’s flavor, so take your time!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked pasta or wide egg noodles (to serve with)
Time Needed:
This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the salmon, followed by 20 minutes cooking and finishing up the sauce. A quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, gently place the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and just cooked through. Carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet where you cooked the salmon, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This adds a ton of flavor!
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them together with the garlic and onion for another 1-2 minutes. They’ll soak up those lovely flavors!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add in the Italian seasoning and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Spinach and Cheese:
Once the sauce is simmering nicely, add the fresh spinach. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine Salmon and Sauce:
Gently return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow everything to heat through for about 1-2 minutes, making sure the salmon is warm.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the creamy garlic Tuscan salmon over cooked pasta, wide egg noodles, or steamed vegetables, making sure to spoon plenty of the delicious sauce on top. Enjoy your delightful meal!
This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy garlic Tuscan salmon tonight!
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Baby Spinach?
Absolutely! You can use fresh spinach of any type. Just keep in mind that regular spinach may have larger leaves, so you might want to give them a rough chop before adding them to the sauce.
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your sauce thickens more than you’d like, simply add a splash of chicken broth or some more heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for another minute or two until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I Store Leftovers? How Should I Do It?
Yes, you can store leftovers! Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also use water, but adding a little extra seasoning will enhance the flavor if you go this route!
