
This Tuscan-inspired salmon dish brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your plate. The recipe perfectly combines tender salmon with wilted spinach and cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy parmesan sauce that captures the essence of Italian cooking. While simple to prepare, this sophisticated dish transforms an everyday dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Essential Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (4 x 6oz): Choose skin-on fillets with uniform color for even cooking
- Fresh spinach (1lb): Baby spinach leaves offer the most delicate flavor
- Cherry tomatoes (8oz): Select ripe, fragrant tomatoes for natural sweetness
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves): New season garlic provides the best flavor
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Use full-fat cream (30%+) for proper sauce consistency
- Parmesan (1oz): Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP only
- Fresh herbs: Combination of basil and parsley for authentic Italian flavor
Preparation Steps
- Initial Prep (10 minutes):
- Remove salmon from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Pat fillets dry with paper towels
- Mince garlic, removing green core
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Wash and thoroughly dry spinach
- Finely chop herbs
- Cook Salmon (8-10 minutes):
- Heat olive oil in large non-stick pan
- Season fillets generously
- Cook skin-side up for 6 minutes undisturbed
- Flip once and cook 2 minutes more
- Set aside loosely covered
- Make Tuscan Sauce (6-8 minutes):
- Melt butter over medium heat
- Sauté garlic until fragrant
- Add tomatoes until slightly softened
- Wilt spinach in batches
- Add cream and grated parmesan
- Simmer 3 minutes until thickened

Plating and Presentation
Arrange the salmon over a bed of creamy spinach sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a lemon wedge to cut through the richness of the dish.
Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside fresh pasta, Roman-style gnocchi, or risotto bianco. For a lighter option, pair with grilled Mediterranean vegetables.
Storage Instructions
Store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know if my salmon is cooked?
- Your salmon's ready when it turns opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork. To keep it juicy, let the center stay slightly translucent.
- → Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and fully drain it so the sauce doesn’t end up watery.
- → What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
- Let it simmer longer over low heat to thicken naturally. Parmesan also helps tie everything together.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Fresh pasta, steamed rice, or boiled baby potatoes are fantastic options to pair with this creamy sauce.
- → Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can prep the sauce in advance, but cook the salmon right before serving for the best texture and taste.