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    Home » Mains

    Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

    Published: May 9, 2018 / Updated: Mar 7, 2022 / 57 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This creamy Tuscan salmon recipe has an amazing cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and lemon juice. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make!

    close-up of creamy Tuscan salmon in a skillet
    Photos updated 10/2020

    I originally made Tuscan Chicken, and I knew that style of sauce would go fabulously with salmon, so I had to make it. Olive Garden inspiration strikes again! 

    You know what? As good as the chicken one was, this pan-seared salmon version has it beat! I just love this flavor combo. Searing the salmon over a high heat gives it a wonderful slightly crispy crust and tender, flaky inside.

    Love creamy salmon recipes? You may also like Creamy Garlic Salmon Pasta, my Creamy Lemon Salmon recipe, this Creamy Garlic Salmon, or this Creamy Salmon Piccata.

    creamy Tuscan garlic salmon on a plate with spaghetti and lots of creamy sauce

    How do you make creamy Tuscan salmon?

    Coat the salmon pieces in salt, pepper, and garlic powder; dredge in flour. Sear the salmon on both sides; take it out of the pan and set aside. Make the sauce by adding the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the cream. You then add the spinach and salmon and let the fish cook through. Take it up a notch and serve it with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil on top! (Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below)

    Recipes notes & tips:

    • Go up to 2 cups (packed) spinach if you like lots of spinach since it really does shrink down.
    • If you buy salmon with skin on and don't want to eat it, it's really easy to peel off once you sear it on both sides (peel it off before adding it back to the skillet).
    • You will get the best results using heavy cream, but if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you may want to try Silk brand dairy-free whipping cream; readers have recommended it to me.
    • Skip the flour if you want this to be low-carb.
    • If you want this to be extra garlicky, add in a couple cloves of minced garlic prior to adding the chicken broth.

    creamy Tuscan butter salmon in a skillet

    What do you serve with Tuscan salmon?

    I typically serve this dish with spaghetti or linguine, but any kind of pasta would work, as would rice or mashed potatoes. Or, make it a lower-carb dinner by serving it with cauliflower rice.

    If you're looking for a wine pairing, this Tuscan salmon would go well with sauvignon blanc. You could also add some into the recipe (instead of the chicken broth) if you want.

    Love Tuscan flavors? Try these:

    • Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi (One Pan, 20 Minutes)
    • Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Recipe
    • Tuscan Sausage Pasta

    creamy Tuscan garlic salmon close-up

    Will you make this salmon in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce? It's DELICIOUS. 😉

    close-up of creamy Tuscan salmon in a skillet

    Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe

    This creamy Tuscan salmon recipe has an amazing cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and lemon juice. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 4
    Calories 453 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Flour for dredging
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see note)
    • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1-2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

    Optional:

    • 1 tablespoon fresh basil sliced thin 
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese 

    Instructions
     

    • Prep your salmon and sprinkle each piece on both sides with salt & pepper and garlic powder, then dredge the salmon in flour. 
    • Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes/side or until it has a nice crust (careful not to overcook - it should not be fully cooked yet). Take the salmon out of the pan and set aside.
    • Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes.
    • Stir in the cream and let it cook for a couple more minutes. 
    • Reduce heat to medium-low and add the spinach to the skillet. Let it wilt for 30 seconds or so, then add the fish in. Cook for a few minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce thickens up a bit.
    • Serve with the basil and fresh parmesan if desired. 

    Notes

    • Anything around 3/4-1 pound of fish will work. Most grocery store salmon is about an inch thick in the thickest part, so use that for reference when considering how long to cook it. 
    • I used the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (draining them prior to adding to the sauce), which tend to taste more concentrated. If using a variety not packed in oil, you may want to add more if desired. 
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 453kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 26gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 1061mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 6668IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword creamy garlic Tuscan salmon, creamy Tuscan butter salmon, creamy Tuscan salmon
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Pancetta and Pea Pasta
    Black Cherry Margarita Recipe »

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    1. Susie says

      December 26, 2022 at 4:54 PM

      5 stars
      Amazing flavors! Followed recipe, only difference is we made homemade fettuccini noodles. It was delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 27, 2022 at 10:10 AM

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    2. LJ says

      September 25, 2022 at 7:31 PM

      The pasta in the photo looks delicious. Will you share the recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2022 at 10:23 AM

        The pasta is literally just cooked pasta tossed with the salmon's sauce.

        Reply
    3. Ashle says

      May 18, 2022 at 10:39 PM

      5 stars
      Really great recipe! I consider myself and inexperienced cook and little scared in the kitchen to be honest but this was quick and easy to follow. It looked like a pro cooked it and my family loved it as well.
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 18, 2022 at 10:42 PM

        Well that's so nice to hear, Ashle!! 🙂 I'm glad that it was a hit all around. Thanks for taking the time to write me a review!

        Reply
    4. Sharon says

      December 7, 2021 at 5:40 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight with salmon, it was delicious. I used white wine instead of the broth added a little whole grain mustard instead of sundried tomatoes.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 8, 2021 at 9:31 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Sharon!! 🙂 Thanks for your review!

        Reply
    5. Paula says

      July 4, 2021 at 2:53 AM

      5 stars
      Amazing and so easy to make

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 4, 2021 at 9:41 AM

        Thank you, Paula!!

        Reply
    6. Kimi says

      April 7, 2021 at 3:21 PM

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I find myself coming to your blog at least ever other day for new recipes. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 7, 2021 at 5:48 PM

        That makes me so happy!! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Darra Griffin says

      December 14, 2020 at 8:24 PM

      5 stars
      Love the recipe. It was delicious. I used diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of the dried tomatoes. Kids like the diced tomatoes better. Delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 14, 2020 at 10:00 PM

        Wonderful! Glad you guys enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Natalie says

      December 14, 2020 at 7:57 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious, definitely new weekday dinner fave! Seasoned the salmon with fresh garlic, paprika, thyme, S&P— left out the flour. Creamy but also just insane flavor from the sun dried tomatoes. Perfect with a side of lemony broccoli!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 14, 2020 at 10:00 PM

        So happy you enjoyed it, Natalie!!

        Reply
    9. Kristin says

      October 18, 2020 at 8:04 AM

      Delicious! We used Scottish salmon and half the amount of cream (with more broth) and it was absolutely amazing! Making it again this Friday!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 18, 2020 at 9:19 AM

        Great!! 🙂 So pleased you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    10. zizi says

      September 4, 2020 at 5:11 PM

      5 stars
      great recipe
      use aldi mediterranean salmon to add interest
      served over grits

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 4, 2020 at 7:34 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Stephen Miller says

      August 26, 2020 at 1:29 PM

      5 stars
      Tried this it was amazing, making it again tonight, going to add basil

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 26, 2020 at 2:20 PM

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    12. Lisa says

      July 12, 2020 at 8:47 AM

      This looks amazing and I would love to try it but is there a non-dairy substitute for the heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 12, 2020 at 8:50 AM

        Hi Lisa! I heard Silk makes a whipping cream substitute. You could try that. I haven’t ever tested it before, so I don’t know if it acts like the real thing or not. You could try coconut cream but it’ll be a different recipe. Some readers have had luck doing that in my recipes. Again, it won’t be the same, but you may like the results.

        Reply
      • KS says

        August 24, 2021 at 9:19 AM

        5 stars
        I've used coconut cream for several of Natasha's creamy sauces and they work PERFECTLY 🙂

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          August 24, 2021 at 9:33 AM

          🙂

          Reply
    13. Kim says

      March 31, 2020 at 5:44 PM

      5 stars
      DELICIOUS! The sauce complemented and really made the salmon the star of the show. Boy, did I get compliments! Fantastic recipe!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2020 at 9:03 PM

        Wonderful! Thanks for letting me know, Kim 🙂

        Reply
    14. Meshia Redd says

      December 11, 2019 at 6:01 AM

      Hi Natasha,

      Recipe is for 4 salmon, would I double for 6? Or do you think the original recipe would be enough sauce for that quantity.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 11, 2019 at 8:53 AM

        It depends how much sauce people eat. Like there is quite a bit of sauce for four, but doubling it would definitely make a lot of sauce. Maybe double the salmon too and have leftovers?

        Reply
    15. Lori says

      April 20, 2019 at 6:31 PM

      Really yummy, thanks for posting this wonderful recipe! Since we’re doing keto I used almond flour, and kale since we had no spinach. It’s absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 22, 2019 at 8:07 PM

        You are very welcome!

        Reply
    16. Elizabeth says

      April 5, 2019 at 5:34 PM

      5 stars
      Thank you for this recipe. It was delicious! I added mushrooms, artichokes, & mixed arugula with the spinach. It was really easy and tasted wonderful. A lot of variations can be done with this recipe. We ate it over zucchini noodles to add some more greens.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 5, 2019 at 7:03 PM

        So glad you enjoyed it... love your additions, Elizabeth!

        Reply
    17. Riann says

      March 18, 2019 at 12:57 AM

      Can i substitue it with tilapia loin?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 18, 2019 at 12:31 PM

        Sure!

        Reply
    18. Marcie says

      December 8, 2018 at 12:36 PM

      Can you use frozen salmon thawed?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 8, 2018 at 4:57 PM

        Sure!

        Reply
    19. Angela Rey says

      October 12, 2018 at 10:17 AM

      5 stars
      Can I substitute the sundries tomatoes for cherry ones? I just don’t like the sundried taste.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 14, 2018 at 5:53 PM

        Sure! The sauce may end up a little more watery, but I'm sure it'll still be delicious.

        Reply
    20. Lauren says

      July 19, 2018 at 2:48 PM

      Can I use veggie broth instead of chicken or wine? Thanks! This looks amazing!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 19, 2018 at 3:03 PM

        Hi Lauren! Yes, that will work. Chicken broth tends to be a little saltier, I find, so you may need to add extra salt at the end. Enjoy!

        Reply
    21. Monique says

      June 26, 2018 at 9:33 PM

      This so easy and scrumptious. I have made it twice and love how simple it is to do, and tastes like spent all day creating. Thank you. Great recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 27, 2018 at 12:14 PM

        That's wonderful to hear, Monique! So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Lala says

      June 25, 2018 at 1:01 PM

      Can I use white fish like cod or sea bass, instead of salmon?
      please advise.

      thank you.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 25, 2018 at 1:31 PM

        Absolutely. Cooking time may vary slightly, but I see no reason why it wouldn't work. Hope you love the recipe!

        Reply
    23. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

      May 10, 2018 at 11:13 AM

      Creamy deliciousness!

      Reply
    24. Leigh Ann says

      May 9, 2018 at 8:13 PM

      I'm always looking for new ways to cook salmon and I think I have to try this recipe out! Looks so amazing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 10, 2018 at 10:33 AM

        Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    25. Jennifer Farley says

      May 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM

      I absolutely need this for dinner tonight! Gorgeous photos, too!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 10, 2018 at 10:34 AM

        Aw thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Matt Robinson says

      May 9, 2018 at 1:08 PM

      Love the you can flavor salmon so brilliantly, our 11 year old would love this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 9, 2018 at 2:22 PM

        Right?! Thanks, Matt!!

        Reply
    27. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      May 9, 2018 at 11:51 AM

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try it with salmon Natasha! That sauce is amazing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 9, 2018 at 11:53 AM

        Thank you so much!! I really enjoyed it.

        Reply
        • Rachel says

          January 8, 2019 at 2:12 PM

          How do you make the sauce or what cream do you use to make the sauce? Thanks!

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            January 8, 2019 at 3:38 PM

            Hi Rachel! I'm confused... it's all explained in the recipe card that's near the bottom of the page? Can you not see it?

            Reply

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