Description
This Tuscan Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it’s an elegant yet simple dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets, skin on, patted dry
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 & 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or basil
Garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and season salmon: Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets all over with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the salmon fillets skin side UP. Cook without moving them for about 5 minutes, until the flesh side is deeply golden brown. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then, transfer the fillets to a plate to rest.
- Prepare the sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, until fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, then add the baby spinach. Stir and cook until the spinach is just wilted.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley and/or basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, adjusting the heat so it gently bubbles. Allow the sauce to slightly reduce, about 3 minutes.
- Finish the salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer gently until the salmon is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright, fresh flavor in the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the salmon for even cooking and crisp crust.
- The sauce can be adjusted by adding a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (approx. 180g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
