Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe with you-it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. The creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender salmon fillets makes for a delightfully rich and comforting meal that my family goes crazy for. If you re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn t skimp on flavor, this recipe definitely fits the bill.

What really makes this Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe stand out is the way the spinach and cherry tomatoes mingle into a luscious butter sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan. I love how everything comes together in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to savor your meal. Trust me, once you try it, you ll find yourself making it over and over again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, balancing rich butter and cream with fresh basil and bright cherry tomatoes. When shopping, look for fresh, firm salmon fillets with skin on for the best sear and flavor.

• Salmon fillets: Opt for skin-on fillets-they get beautifully crispy and help keep the fish moist.
• Olive oil: Adds a fruity base flavor and helps sear the salmon perfectly.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to enhance natural flavors.
• Unsalted butter: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its rich, silky texture.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic warmth and depth.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, these give a slight burst of sweetness.
• Baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely green freshness to the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best nutty, savory flavor.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy sauce that coats everything.
• Fresh basil: Bright, fragrant herb that brings the whole Tuscan vibe together.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it to your liking or dietary needs-it’s one of those recipes that encourages you to make it your own.

• Low-Carb Variation: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to keep it dairy-free but still creamy; I tried this once and loved the subtle tropical twist it added.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a heartier sauce-this simple addition became a go-to when I wanted some extra greens.
• Mild Spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauce step for a gentle kick.
• Herb Swap: If you don t have fresh basil, try fresh parsley or oregano for a different but equally tasty herbaceous punch.

How to Make Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry-this is key for getting that golden crust-and then season them well with salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, then place the salmon skin side up (yes, skin up first!). Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it; this helps develop a beautiful crust. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Build Your Tuscan Butter Sauce

In the same pan-don t clean it!-add unsalted butter and let it melt slowly over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and tomatoes start to soften. Next, add your baby spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. This layering builds incredible flavor, and using the pan juices from the salmon adds richness that’s totally irresistible.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Reintroduce the Salmon

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-8 minutes-it ll thicken and become luxuriously creamy. Then, nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes more just to warm everything through and let the salmon soak in those flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with more fresh basil for that bright pop, and you re ready to serve a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. This Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe really shines here-each bite is buttery, tangy, and fresh all at once.

How to Serve Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish this Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe with a few torn fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan. It adds color, fresh herbal notes, and a little extra cheesy goodness that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this salmon with buttery mashed potatoes or a simple garlic sautéed green beans. A crusty loaf of bread also works wonders here-it s perfect for mopping up that silky sauce. If you want to keep it lighter, steamed asparagus or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

When I ve served this dish for a special occasion, I like plating the salmon fillet on a bed of the buttery spinach and tomato sauce, then garnish with whole basil leaves and a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh citrus burst. Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil around the plate brings that authentic Tuscan flair and makes everything look restaurant-quality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuscan Butter Salmon keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually store the salmon and sauce together so the flavors stay melded. Just give it a gentle reheat the next day and it s almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

I ve frozen this salmon recipe a couple of times with decent results. I recommend freezing the salmon separately from the creamy sauce in airtight containers to keep textures intact. Thaw overnight in the fridge and combine gently before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming this dish on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickened too much, and cover to keep the salmon moist. Avoid microwaving-it tends to make the salmon rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine because it s simple yet feels indulgent and impressive at the same time. Whether you want a quick dinner or a dish to wow guests, it delivers every time. Give it a try-you ll love how buttery, fresh, and creamy it turns out, and I promise it ll become a favorite of yours too.

Tuscan Butter Salmon Recipe

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• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Tuscan Butter Salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that combines simple ingredients with a luxurious buttery cream sauce, perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (120 g each), skin on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a kitchen towel to remove any moisture, then season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Place the salmon skin side up and cook for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate to rest.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same pan, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften.
4. Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted.
5. Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped fresh basil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the fillets, cover the pan, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the salmon through and meld flavors.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh basil and serve the salmon fillets generously topped with the creamy Tuscan sauce.

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Notes

• Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear for a crispy exterior.
• Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
• Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
• If desired, serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (approx. 220 g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg