Name: Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 pieces salmon fillet; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, sliced; 125ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine; 250ml (1 cup) double/heavy cream; 50g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated; 30g (1 cup) fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 82 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seared fish, the Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. This spectacular meal combines succulent salmon fillets with a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, capturing the heart of Tuscan flavors in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress guests, making it a deliciously versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four light pink salmon fillets with a slightly browned surface are placed side by side in a white shallow pan. They are partially immersed in a thick creamy yellow sauce speckled with black pepper. Around the salmon, there are dark green leafy herbs and small brown mushroom slices scattered. A metal spoon handle rests in the pan on the right side. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a small white bowl with white grains, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each item brings something special to the table, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish unforgettable.

Butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps in perfectly searing the salmon for a golden crust.
Olive oil: Provides a heart-healthy fat and prevents the butter from burning during cooking.
Salmon fillets: The star of the show, fresh and flaky with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the sauce with a subtle pungency that balances its creaminess.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil, they introduce a touch of sweetness and umami, adding depth to the sauce.
Dry white wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add an elegant acidity that brightens the dish.
Heavy cream (double cream): Creates a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of salmon.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty backbone to the cream sauce, elevating its flavor to new heights.
Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, verdant burst of color and nutrition that balances the richness.

How to Make Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Begin by patting your salmon dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin and golden sear. Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper. The seasoning sets the foundation of flavor here, so don’t be shy. Heat your olive oil and butter together in a frying pan over medium-high heat; the combination allows for browning with a silky finish. Place the salmon skin side up first to get a crisp crust, cooking for about 6 to 7 minutes. You don’t need to cook the salmon through yet since it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Once golden and crispy, transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Delicious Sauce

Using the same pan still warm with all those wonderful salmon flavors, lower the heat and toss in the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté gently for about 30 seconds to release their aromas—be careful not to let the garlic brown too much. Next comes the moment to deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up every caramelized bit to infuse the sauce with complexity. Let the wine simmer for about five minutes or until reduced by half; this concentrates the flavors and removes any raw alcohol taste.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Reintroduce the Salmon

Now, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to help the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. The transformation into a rich, silky cream is so satisfying to watch. Add in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently, lending color and a subtle earthy note. Finally, nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together on low heat for five minutes. Season with salt as needed. This final step lets the salmon finish cooking in the flavorful sauce while it thickens ever so slightly, leading to a beautifully balanced dish.

How to Serve Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

The image shows four steps of cooking. The top left shows a white pot with dried red chili strips inside, while water is being poured over them. The top right shows three cooked salmon pieces placed neatly on a white plate with a textured rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom left shows the same white pot with the chili strips now soaking in a creamy white liquid being poured in. The bottom right shows the pot again with the creamy liquid and chili strips, this time topped with white shredded coconut. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make this dish pop visually and flavor-wise. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley or basil for a fresh, herbaceous contrast. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese on top add a lovely finishing touch and a touch of indulgence. Don’t underestimate the power of a lemon wedge on the side—the bright citrus cut through the richness in a delightful way.

Side Dishes

Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with sides that soak up the sauce and complement the flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta are fantastic for their soft, comforting texture. For a lighter option, garlic roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans add just the right crispness and freshness. Even a simple crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly cream sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, consider plating your salmon on a bed of cooked spinach or a swirl of creamy risotto, topped with sun-dried tomato bits for a pop of color. Serving family-style in a shallow, rustic skillet can create an inviting, communal atmosphere—plus, everyone loves reaching for sauce-soaked salmon off the pan! For a dinner party, individual plates garnished with microgreens elevate the presentation beautifully without added fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Store your Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cream sauce may thicken significantly, so be prepared to stir it well when reheating. Keep the salmon fillets separate if possible to prevent them from becoming overly saturated.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. For optimal quality, freeze the sauce separate from the salmon fillets in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that texture changes with freezing and cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly, but a good whisk during reheating will bring it back together nicely.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk while warming can help restore its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat at medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking. This ensures you get that crucial crispy skin and proper sear without steaming the fish.

What can I substitute for dry white wine?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice is a great substitute that maintains the liquid balance and adds a bit of acidity that complements the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be a good replacement for Parmesan to keep a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but still feels slightly firm to the touch. Cooking it in the sauce in the last step helps gently finish cooking while keeping it moist and tender.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can all be sautéed alongside the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for added variety and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is tender and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way the Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers. I encourage you to try it—you might just find it becoming one of your favorite dishes to prepare and savor.

Tuscan Salmon with Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need