One of my favorite dishes to make is Tuscan salmon! This recipe is packed with flavors and comes together quickly in just one pan. The combination of juicy salmon, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a delicious meal that feels fancy but is easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I love serving it with mashed potatoes and broccoli for a complete meal!
Method
Season the Salmon
To begin my Tuscan salmon dish, I start by preparing the salmon fillets. I take each fillet and cover them generously with a blend of seasonings. I sprinkle on the Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, making sure each fillet is well coated. Additionally, I add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor. The combination of these spices not only enhances the taste of the salmon but also creates a delightful aroma that sets the stage for the dish.
Cook the Salmon
Next, I heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a light spray of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot and ready, I carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. I let them cook undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the skin to become crispy while the salmon cooks through. After a few minutes, I gently flip the salmon fillets over and cook the other side for another couple of minutes, ensuring that they are cooked through but still juicy. Once done, I remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest while I prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, I spray a bit more oil if necessary and then add the diced onion along with oregano and a pinch of chili flakes. I sauté these ingredients for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The addition of chili flakes adds a hint of heat to the dish, which complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Once the onions are softened, I add the crushed garlic, stirring it in for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn, as this can give a bitter taste.
Prepare the Sauce
After the garlic has released its aroma, I pour in the chicken stock, followed by the Philadelphia light cream cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. I stir everything together to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer allows it to bubble and thicken slightly for about a minute, melding all the flavors together into a creamy, rich sauce that envelops the salmon. Once the sauce is ready, I gently add the cooked salmon back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the fillets to warm them through for a couple of minutes.
Add Spinach and Serve
Finally, as the salmon warms, I toss in a handful of fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts down. This adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish. Once the spinach is wilted and the salmon is heated through, I remove the pan from the heat. The dish is now ready to be served! I like to plate the Tuscan salmon immediately, drizzling the creamy sauce over the top for a beautiful presentation.
Tuscan Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 50 g diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 150 ml chicken stock
- 40 g Philadelphia light cream cheese
- 15 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of chili flakes
- A handful of spinach
Instructions
- To start, I cover the salmon fillets with all of the seasonings: Old Bay, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I also sprinkle some salt and pepper on top for extra flavor.
- Next, I heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a little spray oil. Once the pan is hot, I place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook them for about 3-5 minutes. Then, I flip the salmon and cook the other side for another couple of minutes until it’s cooked through. After cooking, I remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, I spray a bit more oil and add the diced onion, oregano, and chili flakes. I cook these until the onion is soft, then I add the crushed garlic and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Now, I stir in the chicken stock, Philadelphia cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. I bring the sauce to a simmer, letting it bubble for a minute to combine all the flavors. After that, I gently add the salmon back to the pan to warm it through for a couple of minutes.
- Finally, I toss in a handful of spinach and stir until it’s wilted. The dish is ready to serve!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
I love serving my Tuscan salmon with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. The creamy sauce complements the salmon perfectly, and the veggies add a nice touch of freshness. You could also serve it with rice or a fresh green salad for a lighter option!
Fun Fact
Did you know that salmon is not only delicious but also very healthy? It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain!
Conclusion
This Tuscan salmon recipe is a delightful and easy meal that combines fantastic flavors in a quick, one-pan dish. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a favorite in your home too!