Easy One-Pan Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Pancetta Sauce: A Weeknight Gourmet Delight

Prepare to impress with a recipe that’s both spectacularly flavorful and remarkably easy to execute! This Tuscan Salmon, enveloped in a luscious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, is truly a one-pan culinary masterpiece. It promises to transport your taste buds straight to an elegant gourmet restaurant, all from the comfort of your own home, and in less than 30 minutes. Your family and guests will undoubtedly rave about this exquisite fish entree, and here’s why:

• The salmon is pan-seared to perfection, achieving a delightful crispy, golden-orange crust while retaining a delicate, flaky, tender, and moist center.
• Each succulent salmon fillet is seasoned beautifully, bursting with a rich, buttery flavor that makes every bite unforgettable.
• It features an incredibly luxurious, garlic-butter cream sauce, generously studded with savory pancetta and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, artfully ladled over the perfectly cooked salmon.

And for you, the chef? You’ll be absolutely thrilled by the sheer simplicity of this dish. Its design as a one-skillet wonder means:

• Minimal cleanup, saving you precious time and effort after dinner.
• Cooking everything in a single skillet masterfully builds incredible layers of flavor, as each ingredient contributes to a harmonious and rich sauce.

You’ll practically shout with joy at how straightforward it is: SEASON, SEAR, SIMMER, and SERVE! The result is nothing short of SPECTACULAR!

Even the most discerning palates, like my husband’s (who is famously one of the pickiest eaters), become utterly obsessed with this sauce. It’s truly crazy-delicious! This amazing creamy, cheesy sauce is loaded with deep layers of flavor derived from fresh garlic and authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. But the decadence doesn’t stop there – it’s further enriched with piquant sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bits of Italian pancetta, and a generous pour of comforting cream. The flavor profile is simply unforgettable, ensuring every drop is savored.

To ensure no one misses out on this scrumptious sauce, make sure the salmon is thoroughly smothered. For an extra thoughtful touch, consider filling a small serving bowl with any remaining sauce to pass around the table, allowing appreciative guests to add more to their liking or sop it up with crusty bread.

I am absolutely positive that this Tuscan Salmon will be a resounding hit at any dining table. It’s destined to become a perennial family favorite, a recipe you’ll reach for time and time again. Its ease makes it ideal for busy weeknight dinners, yet its elegant presentation and gourmet taste make it perfectly suited for any special occasion or when entertaining guests.

Let’s Talk About Salmon: A Superfood Delight!

Have I ever expressed my profound adoration for salmon? I believe I tend to repeat myself more as I get older, but it’s true – I just love, love, LOVE salmon, and always have! It’s a fish that truly makes my taste buds sing. Salmon boasts the most incredible buttery-soft interior and can be enjoyed in countless ways: whether baked, perfectly seared, gently poached, expertly roasted, grilled to smoky perfection, or even delicately smoked. It’s also fantastic raw, serving as a star ingredient on bagels or in sushi. Salmon’s culinary versatility is truly endless, which perhaps explains its widespread global popularity and why it graces tables across so many cultures.

Beyond its delicious taste, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, a true superfood that offers numerous health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why salmon is so good for us:

• It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and for keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), crucial for heart health, reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and maintaining overall well-being. These essential fats are known to lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
• It’s packed with B Vitamins, including B12, Niacin, and B6, which play vital roles in energy production, DNA formation, and maintaining nerve and brain health.
• This entire recipe is KETO-friendly and LOW CARB, making it an excellent choice for those following ketogenic principles of eating, providing healthy fats and protein without excess carbohydrates.
• Salmon also provides Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for bone health and immune function, and powerful antioxidants like Astaxanthin, which gives salmon its vibrant color and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need for Tuscan Salmon in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Salmon truly is the star of this incredibly easy, fast, and undeniably delicious skillet recipe. Fresh salmon fillets are expertly seared until they develop a beautiful golden-orange hue, then they are generously coated in the creamiest, dreamiest sun-dried tomato sauce imaginable. Are you ready to get cooking? Let’s gather our ingredients!

First, take a quick inventory of your pantry, and then let’s make a shopping list for the following fresh and high-quality components:

• Salmon fillets: You’ll need four 8-ounce skinless salmon fillets. Aim for similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Olive oil: A fundamental ingredient for many Mediterranean-inspired recipes, contributing a healthy and flavorful base. Tuscany, located in Northern Italy, often incorporates butter into its cuisine. My family, hailing from Modena in Emilia-Romagna, often combines olive oil with butter. This blend not only adds immense richness and depth of flavor to every dish but also helps prevent the olive oil from burning at higher temperatures, ensuring your aromatics cook without bitterness.
• Garlic: Use 4 to 5 cloves, minced. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor, keeping in mind the size of the cloves. Too much can overpower, but the right amount is heavenly.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: I highly recommend sourcing freeze-dried imported sun-dried tomatoes. While oil-packed jarred varieties are available, they can be quite messy and often lack the intense, bold, and fresh flavor that the freeze-dried kind offers. The concentrated sweetness and tang of good quality sun-dried tomatoes are essential here.
• Italian pancetta: This is a true gift from the Italian food gods! Pancetta is undoubtedly my favorite flavor-enhancing ingredient in savory dishes. The subtle saltiness and crisp texture it adds are beyond description and elevate this sauce to another level. Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly, similar to bacon but not smoked, providing a delicate yet profound umami.
• Fresh spinach: Tuscans, particularly Florentines from Florence, are renowned for their generous use of spinach in traditional recipes. As this is a Tuscan-inspired dish, adding this fresh, vibrant green vegetable is a must. It not only contributes a mild earthy flavor but also a beautiful pop of color and valuable nutrients.
• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water is key for building a more flavorful sauce. If possible, homemade chicken broth is always superior due to its rich depth and lower sodium content. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium variety to control the overall saltiness, especially since pancetta will contribute a natural saltiness.
• Heavy cream: Cream is indispensable for achieving that signature rich, velvety texture in Northern Italian sauces. Beyond its deliciousness, it also acts as a tenderizing agent for meats and fish, making it both functional and delightful in this recipe.
• Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: For the absolute best flavor, always choose authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, preferably imported from Italy. Avoid the pre-grated varieties in the “green container,” which are often old, dry, and lack true flavor. Freshly grind or grate your Parmigiano Reggiano just before use – you will not regret the difference it makes!
• Seasonings: I typically season my savory dishes with a blend like Nature’s Seasons or Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Original. For this particular recipe, McCormick’s Tuscan Herb Seasoning (a fragrant blend of rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and garlic) works wonderfully. A sprinkle of garlic powder can also enhance the flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper is a must, either added during cooking or passed around at the table. I generally avoid adding extra salt to this dish because the pancetta provides ample salinity. My family prefers a lower-sodium diet for health reasons, but feel free to adjust to your taste. Finally, a dash of paprika adds a lovely visual pop of color.
• Herbs: When in season, I love using fresh herbs from my garden or a good grocery store. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried basil and oregano are excellent substitutes. As mentioned, McCormick’s Tuscan Blend also offers a fantastic aromatic profile.

HOW TO MAKE Tuscan Salmon in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: Step-by-Step

Alright, with all your ingredients at hand, let’s get cooking! This recipe follows a simple process: seasoning, searing, simmering, and serving – making gourmet dining effortlessly achievable.

For the Salmon:

1. Prepare the Salmon: First, gently pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a crispier, more effective sear.
2. Season Generously: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with freshly cracked black pepper, Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Original Flavor Seasoning, and your preferred fish seasonings, such as the Tuscan Herb Blend spice mixture mentioned in the ingredients list. Gently pat the seasonings onto the salmon flesh to ensure they adhere well.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large frying pan or skillet over high heat and allow it to get super hot, but not to the point of smoking. Achieving a scorching hot pan is essential for a beautiful sear.
4. Sear the Salmon: Add the olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the pan. This direct contact with the hot surface creates that desirable charred crust. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-high and sear for approximately 3 minutes on each side. The goal is a light pink-white color in the center. A key tip: when the bright pink of the raw salmon begins to turn to a more opaque, white-pinkish color about halfway up the fillet, it’s time to flip.
5. Rest the Salmon: Once both sides of the salmon have developed a beautiful light orange-brown color, carefully remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Leave any remaining oil and delicious cooked ‘bits’ in the pan – these will add incredible flavor to your sauce.

For the Sauce:

1. Start the Sauce Base: Reduce the stovetop burner heat to low. Add the butter to the pan with the remaining olive oil and allow it to melt completely.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced pancetta to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until a heavenly, fragrant aroma fills your kitchen and the pancetta begins to crisp. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and continue to sauté for another minute or two, allowing their tangy flavor to develop and meld with the aromatics.
4. Simmer the Liquid Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the remaining herbs and seasonings (like the Tuscan Herb Blend if not already used on the salmon). Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling stage, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken with Cheese: Add the freshly-grated Parmigiano cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce begins to thicken to a luxurious consistency (this typically takes about 2 minutes). If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a little more chicken broth or cream, a small amount at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
6. Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, retaining its vibrant green color and tender texture.
7. Combine & Warm: Gently return the seared salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Allow them to warm through and soak up some of the amazing flavors for about 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve & Garnish: Plate the salmon on individual dishes. Generously ladle the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over each fillet. Garnish with a sprinkle of minced fresh Italian parsley and a dash of paprika for a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor.
9. ENJOY! Your gourmet Tuscan Salmon is ready to be savored.

EXPERT COOKING TIPS for Perfect Tuscan Salmon

Achieving restaurant-quality Tuscan Salmon is easy with these expert tips:

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select fresh salmon directly from the seafood counter at your grocery store. If fresh isn’t an option, you can use frozen salmon, but ensure it’s wild-caught and completely thawed before you begin cooking to prevent uneven cooking.
• Opt for Wild-Caught: Whenever possible, look for wild-caught salmon (preferably Alaskan varieties like King, Coho, or Sockeye salmon). King salmon is particularly prized for its rich, buttery flavor and high fat content. Avoid farm-raised Atlantic salmon, which often has a different texture and flavor profile.
• Uniform Fillets: Select skinless salmon fillets that are approximately the same size (6-8 ounces each) and thickness. This ensures all fillets cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked. Alternatively, you can purchase a whole wild Alaskan salmon and slice it into uniform fillets yourself.
• Cook Promptly: Salmon is highly perishable in its raw state. For the best quality and safety, plan to cook it within 1 day of purchase.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, allow the salmon fillets to sit at room temperature for up to 20 minutes. This helps the fish cook more evenly throughout, from edge to center.
• Use a Large Frying Pan: Ensure your frying pan or skillet is large enough to comfortably hold all the salmon fillets in a single layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming rather than searing, and prevent a golden crust from forming.
• Achieve a Perfect Sear: Make sure your pan is piping hot before adding the salmon. This high initial heat is crucial for creating that beautiful, flavorful crust and preventing the fish from sticking.
• Freshly-Grated Parmesan: The flavor of freshly-grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is unparalleled. It offers a complex, nutty, and savory taste that pre-shredded varieties simply cannot match. Investing in a good block of imported Parmigiana will elevate your sauce significantly.
• Deglaze for Flavor: While sautéing the salmon and later the aromatics, make sure to scrape up any golden-brown bits from the bottom of the pan. These “fond” bits are packed with concentrated flavor and will dissolve into your sauce, adding incredible depth and richness.
• Flip Only Once: To achieve that perfect sear and prevent the fish from breaking apart, flip the salmon fillets only once during the searing process. Allow each side ample, undisturbed time to develop its crust.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked salmon becomes dry, tough, and significantly less flavorful. Cook until it’s just lightly pink in the center, or flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
• Adjust Heat as Needed: If you notice the salmon browning too quickly during searing, don’t hesitate to reduce the stovetop burner heat slightly to prevent burning.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick during simmering or reheating, gradually add a bit more chicken broth or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired silky smooth consistency.

HOW TO PREPARE TUSCAN SALMON AHEAD OF TIME

This recipe can be streamlined by preparing certain components in advance, up to one day before cooking:

• Prepare Aromatics: Dice the pancetta, mince the garlic, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian parsley. Store each prepared ingredient in separate, airtight containers in the refrigerator. This pre-prep makes the cooking process much quicker and more enjoyable.
• Grate Cheese: Grate your fresh Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This ensures it’s ready to be added to the sauce without delay.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT TUSCAN SALMON LEFTOVERS

Should you have any delectable leftovers of this Tuscan Salmon, they will last beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While freezing dishes containing cream can sometimes alter the texture, this salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Be sure to clearly mark the date on the container for easy tracking.

When it comes to reheating, I strongly recommend using either a mini countertop oven or a regular oven. Microwave ovens tend to change the texture of proteins, often rendering them rubbery and tough, which detracts from the dish’s quality. If a microwave is your only option, program it on a “low” or “reheat” setting and heat in short intervals. As you check on the salmon’s doneness during reheating, if the sauce has thickened significantly from refrigeration, add a splash more cream and/or chicken broth to restore its luscious consistency.

WHAT ARE GOOD SIDE DISHES TO SERVE WITH TUSCAN SALMON?

This versatile Tuscan Salmon pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are a few options to complement its rich flavors:

• Pasta: A simple buttered pasta or a light olive oil-based pasta provides a perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Green Leafy Salads: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Green Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or peas add a vibrant color and healthy balance.
• Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, tender cauliflower florets, or a creamy mashed potato provide comforting and substantial accompaniments.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or a fragrant wild rice blend can beautifully absorb the sauce.
• Fresh Fruit: For a lighter, refreshing touch, a side of fresh fruit can be a delightful palate cleanser.

Whatever side dish you choose, make sure to include some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. They are absolutely essential for mopping up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce!

OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY TUSCAN SALMON: Versatile Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization. Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients or swap them out for alternatives. As long as you maintain that mouthwatering, to-die-for cream sauce, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal:

• Alternate Proteins: Instead of salmon, try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tender pork chops. My husband even suggested that the sauce alone would be exquisite drizzled over a perfectly cooked filet mignon, much like a gourmet béarnaise sauce – a brilliant idea!
• Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other vegetables such as tender artichoke hearts, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus spears, or sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmigiano Reggiano is classic, you could experiment with other melting cheeses like Fontina, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Gouda, or a blend of your favorite good quality cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• A Hint of Lemon: For a brighter, more zesty flavor, add a small amount of fresh lemon juice to the cream sauce, starting with no more than a teaspoon. Taste and add more if desired, as a little goes a long way.
• Change the Herb Profile: Feel free to swap or combine herbs. Fresh rosemary or additional basil can introduce different aromatic notes that complement the Tuscan flavors beautifully.

USEFUL KITCHEN TOOLS FOR MAKING TUSCAN SALMON

Having the right tools in your kitchen can make preparing this and other delicious meals much easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few indispensable items:

• X-Large Wooden Cutting Board: A high-quality, large wooden cutting board is a kitchen essential. It’s gentle on your sharpened knives and cutlery, helping them maintain their edge. A generous size allows you to do all your prepping on one surface, and it makes transporting scraps to the trash or compost bin incredibly convenient.
• Non-Stick Frying Pan / Skillet: A good non-stick pan is invaluable for so many recipes, especially for searing fish without it sticking. It simplifies both cooking and cleanup, ensuring your salmon develops a perfect crust.
• Fish Spatula: This specialized kitchen tool is an absolute game-changer when cooking any type of fish. Its thin, flexible, and angled design allows you to easily slide under delicate fillets, preventing them from falling apart when you flip or transfer them. I’ve been loyal to brands like Sabatier since 1978 – that’s a testament to quality!
• Garlic press: As an Italian cook, I couldn’t imagine my “cucina” without a reliable garlic press. It makes mincing garlic quick and efficient, saving time and effort. Always invest in the best quality garlic press you can find; cheap ones tend to break easily. Plus, many high-quality presses are surprisingly easy to clean – a true joy!
• Good Knives: My friends, a darn good chef’s knife is an absolute must-have in any kitchen. It is, hands down, the most important tool you can own. As a young cook, I dreamed of having the best cutlery, and after 45 years in my kitchen, I can confidently recommend Wusthof as a top-tier brand. I understand that budgets can be tight at different stages of life, so if you can’t purchase a full set, consider buying one high-quality knife at a time – they will last forever with proper care. If Wusthof isn’t currently within reach, many less expensive but highly-rated options exist, such as this Chef’s Knife by Victorinox, which boasts over 10,000 sales on Amazon alone.

More Delicious Fish Recipes You Will Enjoy:

Salmon, Peas, and Asparagus with Pasta in Lemon Cream Sauce

Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Italian Seasoned Salmon Burgers with Garlic Aioli

Grilled Swordfish with Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce

Keto Italian Grilled Swordfish Skewers

Perfect Garlic Butter Blackened Redfish

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Tuscan Salmon in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

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• Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Fish
• Cuisine: Italian

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Ingredients

• 4 8-oz. salmon fillets
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 4 – 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup diced pancetta
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmigiana cheese
• 1 tsp. Tuscan Herb Blend spice mixture
• Salt and Pepper (to taste, considering pancetta saltiness)
• Mrs. Dash Salt-Free Original Flavor Seasoning
• GARNISH: Minced Italian parsley
• GARNISH: Ground paprika for garnish

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Instructions

For the Salmon:

1. Season Salmon: Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets with freshly cracked black pepper, Mrs. Dash, and any other preferred fish seasonings (See ingredients list).
2. Heat Pan: Set the stove burner heat to high and get a large frying pan super hot, but not to the point of smoking.
3. Add Oil: Add olive oil and allow it to heat up.
4. Sear Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for about 3 – 5 minutes. Turn the burner heat down to medium-high at this point so the fish doesn’t cook too fast. When the salmon is no longer a dark pink and becomes more of a white-pink, that’s the time to flip the fish over. Then turn the salmon over and cook for another 3 – 5 minutes until the salmon has a light pink center.
5. Remove Salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and set them aside, leaving the olive oil and cooked salmon ‘bits’ in the pan.

For the Sauce:

1. Melt Butter: Turn the stovetop burner heat down to medium-low and add the butter to melt.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Then add the garlic and pancetta to the frying pan/skillet to sauté for a few minutes (do not burn).
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute or two.
4. Add Liquids & Seasonings: Next, add the cream, chicken broth, herbs, and seasonings and bring to a gentle bubbling stage.
5. Thicken Sauce: Add the Parmigiana cheese and simmer until melted and the sauce is thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add some more broth or cream, a little bit at a time.
6. Add Spinach: Add the spinach and cook until it has just started to wilt.
7. Return Salmon: Add the salmon fillets back into the pan and cook for 3 – 5 more minutes until nice and warmed all the way through.
8. Serve: Serve on individual plates, pouring some sauce generously onto each salmon fillet.
9. Garnish: Garnish with paprika and minced Italian Parsley.
10. SERVE and ENJOY!

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Notes

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Salmon Fillet
• Calories: 775
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 785mg
• Fat: 57g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 54g
• Cholesterol: 230mg

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