Indulge in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. This easy, one-pan Tuscan recipe is gluten-free and high in protein.

Friends were coming up, and I had no idea what I was going to make.

I needed something quick that won’t take too much time for me to get ready. But also something that would take their breath away.

I remembered my creamy Tuscan salmon, and it was an immediate hit.

In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious recipe that’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. This one-pan wonder reduces your time in the kitchen (and cleaning up after).

Tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach are all mixed into a rich Parmesan cream sauce that coats every part of the salmon.

Now, while this recipe is perfect when you want to impress your dinner guests, it’s also great for your everyday meals. I usually make a batch to last me a couple of days when I’m having a hard day and need a pick-me-up.

And, the best thing is that you can adapt it to suit anyone’s dietary needs. But I’ll go over that in a bit.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Salmon fillets (4) – You can use any other fatty fish like cod, halibut, or trout. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using tofu steaks or thick slices of eggplant.

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Swap with avocado oil, coconut oil, or even butter (or ghee).

Yellow onion, diced (1 small) – If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use red onions, shallots, or green onions.

Garlic, minced (5 cloves) – Replace with garlic powder or garlic paste.

Sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (1 cup) – While you can replace them with roasted red peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes, or tomato paste, I recommend keeping this essential ingredient.

Vegetable broth (1/3 cup) – You can also use chicken broth or seafood stock.

Heavy cream (1 ½ cups) – Use coconut cream, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a plant-based version.

Baby spinach (3 cups) – Replace with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula.

Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup) – Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast are great alternatives.

Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp) – If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use fresh basil, cilantro, or oregano.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Step 1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

Step 2. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for a couple of minutes.

Step 3. Place the salmon fillets in the skillets, with the flesh-side down. Cook them for roughly 5 minutes.

Step 4. Flip the fillets and cook them for another 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 5. Add the onions to the same skillet.

Step 6. Cook them until they become translucent. It should roughly take 4-5 minutes.

Step 7. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8. Pour the vegetable broth and heavy cream.

Step 9. Give the ingredients a good stir and bring them to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 10. Now, add the spinach and the Parmesan cheese.

Step 11. Cook them for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and the Parmesan melts.

Step 12. Add the salmon fillets back into the pan. Allow them to warm up.

Step 13. Once they are completely cooked, remove from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What I Would Serve with This Creamy Tuscan Salmon

• Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
• White rice or brown rice
• Quinoa
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Arugula salad
• Avocado salad
• Green salad with light vinaigrette

My Tips & Tricks

1. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough (not something very appealing). The best way to ensure it’s cooked is to see if it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Pat the Salmon Dry: Before seasoning and searing the salmon, use a paper towel to pat the salmon fillets completely dry. This will help create a delicious, crispy skin.
3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting completely. Using freshly grated Parmesan allows you to have a much creamier sauce.

More One Pan Dinners

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Baked Tuscan Chicken