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Ultra close-up macro view of creamy Tuscan salmon fillet glistening in rich garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach in cast iron skillet

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Salmon Skillet

Luxurious restaurant-quality creamy Tuscan salmon featuring crispy-seared salmon fillets simmered in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce loaded with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and tender baby spinach. An unforgettable 20-minute one-skillet dinner that tastes like an Italian seaside vacation.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: Italian, Low Carb, Mediterranean, Tuscan
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon fillets patted thoroughly dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Velvety Tuscan Garlic Cream Sauce
  • 1 medium shallot finely minced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes julienned
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine Pinot Grigio or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 cups baby spinach fresh
  • 2 tablespoon fresh basil chiffonade

Method
 

Sear the Salmon to Golden Perfection
  1. Pat & Season: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels on all sides. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Pan-Sear Fillets: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large 12-inch heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. When shimmering, place the salmon fillets flesh-side down (or skin-side up). Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden, crispy crust forms. Carefully flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the second side until nearly cooked through. Transfer fillets to a warm plate and set aside.
Simmer the Tuscan Garlic Sauce
  1. Aromatics & Deglaze: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the pan drippings. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious golden browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer vigorously for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
  2. Add Cream & Parmesan: Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until completely melted, velvety, and smooth.
Wilt Greens & Combine
  1. Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the simmering cream sauce. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted and glossy bright green. Taste the sauce and add extra salt, black pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  2. Nest Salmon & Garnish: Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the luxurious garlic cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes over each piece. Simmer on low for 1 to 2 minutes to warm the fish through. Scatter fresh basil ribbons on top and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 38gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 880mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2400IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.1mg

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