Quick Dinners

Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon

Crispy pan-seared salmon fillets simmered in a rich garlic, sun-dried tomato, parmesan, and baby spinach cream sauce.

May 24, 2025 By Chef Clara 4.9 (117 votes)
Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic italian-american creamy tuscan sun-dried tomato salmon comes together in just 30 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; moisture ruins golden brown. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cuisine Italian-American
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This Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon delivers restaurant-quality elegance in under 30 minutes. Pan-seared salmon fillets achieve a golden savory crust before simmering in an indulgent garlic cream reduction packed with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and aged parmesan. Perfect over angel hair pasta or creamy polenta.

Key Equipment

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  • Large 12-inch cast iron skillet
  • Fish spatula
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Sear salmon dry: Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; moisture ruins golden browning.
  • Use sun-dried tomato oil: Sear the salmon in 2 tablespoons of oil spooned directly from the sun-dried tomato jar for an automatic flavor boost.
  • Do not boil cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding heavy cream and parmesan so it doesn't separate.

Ingredients
4 servings

  • 4 fillets (6 oz each) fresh salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, patted dry
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, or reserved oil from sun-dried tomato jar
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, for rich velvety sauce
  • ¼ cup vegetable or chicken broth, to balance richness
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and stemmed
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, to season salmon
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Season Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder.

2

Pan-Sear Salmon

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon skin-side up and sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.

3

Sauté Aromatics

Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4

Simmer Cream Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in baby spinach and grated parmesan until spinach wilts and sauce turns velvety.

5

Assemble & Serve

Return salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy Tuscan sauce and sun-dried tomatoes over each piece. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

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#2 in Baking Sheets

Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack

Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.

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500+ bought weekly

Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife

Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.

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TILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc

Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.

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Mercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"

Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.

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#4 in Baking Parchment

Amazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll

Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.

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Woodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc

Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.

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OXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"

Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.

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Ultra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2

Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.

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Umite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc

Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.

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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry with paper towels prior to searing.

Angel hair pasta, garlic butter jasmine rice, cauliflower puree, or warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.