Mediterranean Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Salmon
This Mediterranean Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Salmon is rich, flavorful, and elegant enough for a special dinner while still simple to prepare. Salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and served with a creamy Tuscan sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. The sauce is silky, tangy, and slightly spicy if you include the red pepper flakes, making it a perfect match for the tender salmon. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the salmon:
Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy Tuscan sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
Add the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Combine and serve:
Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the fillets to coat. Simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
Cooking the Salmon
Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for best flavor.
Pat the fillets dry before seasoning to help them sear properly and develop a golden crust.
Cook salmon to medium doneness (about 125–130°F internal temperature) for tender, moist fillets. Overcooking can make it dry.
If your fillets have skin, start cooking skin-side down to get crispy skin.
Creamy Tuscan Sauce Tips
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream; heat gently to avoid curdling.
Sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness, but roasted red peppers can be substituted for a different flavor.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, or omit for a milder dish.
Spinach and Greens Variations
Baby spinach works well, but arugula or kale can also be used for added texture and flavor.
Wilt the greens gently in the sauce; overcooking can make them soggy and dark.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Finish the sauce with a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or oregano along with Italian seasoning for more aromatic layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts or Parmesan shavings for added texture and richness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Sauce can be prepared a few hours in advance, then gently reheated before adding the salmon.
Salmon is best cooked fresh, but leftover cooked salmon can be gently reheated in the sauce over low heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe with frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent excess water in the sauce.
Q: Can I make a lighter version of this dish?
Yes. Substitute half-and-half, light cream, or Greek yogurt for heavy cream and use less oil for searing the salmon. The sauce will still be creamy but lower in calories.
Q: Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes. Baby kale, arugula, or Swiss chard work well. Adjust cooking time slightly for tougher greens.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made a few hours ahead and reheated gently before adding freshly cooked salmon. Avoid boiling the sauce to keep it creamy.
Nutrition
(Per serving – based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~520
Protein: 38g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
(Values may vary depending on the type of cream, salmon, and cheese used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Creamy Tuscan “Marry Me” Salmon is a rich, elegant dish that pairs perfectly tender salmon with a luxurious, flavorful sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. The creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce enhances the natural flavor of the salmon, making every bite satisfying. Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.