Description
A rich and flavorful Tuscan Butter Salmon recipe featuring pan-seared salmon fillets cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a delicious and elegant weeknight dinner.
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 oil and season salmon: Warm the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets all over with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sear salmon: When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, place the salmon skin side UP in the skillet and cook undisturbed until the flesh is deeply golden, about 5 minutes. Flip the fillets over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate to rest.
- Prepare sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. When the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Cook vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes start to burst. Next, add the baby spinach and cook until 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 gentle simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens and reduces, about 3 minutes.
- Finish cooking salmon in sauce: Return the salmon fillets back to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Simmer on low heat until the salmon is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh herbs and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon skin side is up for the initial sear to achieve a crispy, golden crust on the flesh side.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor and freshness of the dish.
- Heavy cream and Parmesan create a luxurious sauce; substitute with half-and-half if a lighter option is preferred.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor of the salmon and sauce.
- Pair with crusty bread or a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 278 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
