Creamy Tuscan Salmon

$For Creamy Tuscan Salmon, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients based on what you have: - Use any firm fish like trout if salmon is not available. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option. - Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula. - Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version. Each serving of Creamy Tuscan Salmon offers: - Calories: 550 - Protein: 40g - Fat: 40g - Carbohydrates: 5g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 2g This dish is rich in flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for a quick, healthy dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking your salmon fillets out of the fridge. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step adds great flavor to the fish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is crispy. Use a spatula to flip the fillets carefully. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until you smell its aroma. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them soften a bit. Next, add the fresh spinach and stir it in. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir it well as it heats up. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creamy sauce will bring all the flavors together. Now, add the lemon zest to the sauce and mix it in. It brightens the dish! Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, making sure to spoon some of the creamy sauce over them. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the salmon is heated through. Your tasty dinner is almost ready to serve! To cook salmon well, start with fresh fillets. Look for bright color and a mild smell. Always season both sides with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor. Use a large skillet to give the fish space. Heat olive oil until it shimmers before adding salmon. This helps to get a nice sear. Cook skin-side down first for a crispy texture. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. To avoid this, use a thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium. Remember, salmon continues to cook after you remove it from heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side and 3-4 minutes on the other. If your salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. Basil, parsley, and thyme work well in this dish. Add them at the end of cooking for the best flavor. You can also use lemon zest for a fresh twist. It brightens the creamy sauce and pairs well with salmon. Experiment with your favorite herbs to find your unique flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest salmon and vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Don't Overcook the Salmon: Salmon should be cooked until just opaque and flaky; check for doneness to avoid dryness. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or vegetable stock. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill in place of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just chop them up and add them with the spinach. They add color and crunch. You can also use broccoli or kale for more nutrients. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! Want to add some heat? Red pepper flakes are your friend. Just sprinkle a pinch in the cream sauce while it simmers. This gives the dish a nice kick without being too spicy. If you want it hotter, add more flakes. Taste as you go to find the right level for you. If you want a dairy-free option, there are easy swaps. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This way, you enjoy the creamy taste without dairy. The dish will still taste great and stay rich and delicious! To keep your Creamy Tuscan Salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps maintain its taste and texture. Leftovers can last about three days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, use the skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat it on low. Add a splash of cream or water to help with moisture. Cook the salmon for about 5 minutes until warm. If using a microwave, place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. If you want to freeze your Creamy Tuscan Salmon, do so before adding the sauce. Place the cooked salmon in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Seal the bag tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat with the sauce. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Once thawed, follow the same steps in the recipe. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed. Creamy Tuscan Salmon pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with: - Rice - Pasta - Quinoa - Garlic bread - Steamed veggies These sides will soak up the creamy sauce and enhance your meal. To add some heat, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. - Use a spicier type of pepper, like jalapeño. - Serve with hot sauce on the side. These options will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavor. Yes, Creamy Tuscan Salmon is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep the salmon and sauce in separate containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. This way, you enjoy a delicious meal anytime! This article covered how to make creamy Tuscan salmon step by step. We explored essential ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional details. I shared tips for perfecting your cooking and ways to boost flavor. You learned how to customize this dish with different vegetables or make it dairy-free. Remember, cooking salmon can be easy and fun. Using these tips, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!$

A delicious and creamy salmon dish with garlic, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1 zest lemon
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the lemon zest and stir well. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the salmon is heated through.
Plate the salmon and spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword creamy, dinner, Italian, salmon, Tuscan