This Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach is the perfect one-skillet dinner—rich, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes. Tender salmon fillets swim in a luscious garlic cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach. You’ll learn why this skillet meal works so well, what ingredients make it shine, step-by-step cooking tips, serving ideas, and a detailed FAQ to cover every question.
Table of Contents
Why This One-Skillet Salmon Wins
Flavor-Packed Comfort in One Pan
This dish brings together flaky salmon, silky cream, briny sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach all in one skillet. The result is restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal cleanup. Prep, cook, and serve from the same pan—it’s weeknight efficiency at its best.
Healthy Proteins & Veggies in Every Bite
Salmon delivers omega-3s and protein, while spinach boosts vitamins and fiber. With a creamy sauce built on Greek yogurt or light cream, this dish balances indulgence and nutrition. If you love creamy mains, check out our Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast or the garlic butter chicken from Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast One‑Pan.
Ingredient Essentials & Prep Tips
Choosing Quality Salmon & Cheese
Use center-cut salmon fillets (6–8 oz) with skin-on if possible—it holds together better while cooking. For richness, grab sun-dried tomatoes in oil and a light cream or Greek yogurt base. Parmesan adds depth; mascarpone or creme fraiche work too.
Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference
Use fresh garlic and shallots for aromatics. Baby spinach is ideal because it wilts quickly. If available, add fresh basil or parsley at the end for herbaceous brightness. Prep these before cooking starts—it moves fast.
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Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Creamy Tuscan salmon is a one-skillet dinner with garlic cream sauce, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes for easy comfort.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
½ cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Pat salmon dry, season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté shallot and garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in cream or yogurt, simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan until smooth.
5. Add spinach and stir until just wilted.
6. Return salmon to skillet and simmer for 2 minutes. Spoon sauce over salmon.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use center-cut salmon for even cooking.
For lighter option, use Greek yogurt and low-fat parmesan.
Best served immediately but leftovers reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy tuscan salmon, salmon with spinach, one skillet salmon
Cooking Steps & Techniques
1. Searing the Salmon
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high with oil. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down if skin-on, and sear 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
2. Building the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté shallot and garlic for 1 minute. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute. Add cream or yogurt, bring to a low simmer, then stir in parmesan until silky.
3. Wilt Spinach & Finish the Dish
Toss in spinach and stir until just wilted. Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2 minutes more to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
4. Tips for Perfect Texture
- Don’t overcook salmon—remove from pan at medium-rare as it will finish in sauce.
- Use low heat for cream to avoid curdling.
- Add pasta water or broth if sauce is too thick; yogurt helps with lower fat.
Serving Ideas & FAQ
Serving Suggestions
This creamy salmon pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, farro, or crusty bread. Add a crisp green salad for freshness. Rounded meals like shrimp noodle bowls from Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles or Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls complement it well.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—thaw fully and pat dry. Add 1–2 minutes extra cooking per side.
Can I substitute dairy-free ingredients?
Yes—use dairy-free cream, omit parmesan, or substitute nutritional yeast.
Is it gluten-free?
Absolutely, assuming sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free. Use gluten-free broth if needed.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes—sauté aromatics and tomatoes, store sauce, then reheat and add spinach and salmon before serving.
How do I keep sauce smooth?
Use low heat, stir gently, and add broth or water to thin if needed.
Flavor Boosters & Variations
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with shallots.
- Peppers: Stir in sun-dried red peppers or roasted bell peppers.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or tarragon at end.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Salmon with Spinach is lush, balanced, and simple—a complete dinner in one pan. With bold flavors and minimal effort, it’s ideal for weeknights or casual dinner guests. Give it a try and savor every rich, creamy bite!