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Creamy Parmesan Tuscan Salmon Skillet

creamy parmesan tuscan salmon skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring flaky salmon cooked in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for weeknight meals that feel both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g), freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes to get a nice sear.
  3. Flip salmon gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through but still moist inside. Remove salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  5. Add fresh baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes, keeping it tender and vibrant green.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Nestle salmon back into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over fillets and let heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Avoid browning garlic to prevent bitterness. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan alternative. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a good sear on salmon.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, creamy sauce, Parmesan, Tuscan, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-parmesan-tuscan-salmon-skillet-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/