Tuscan Butter Salmon: A Decadent, Flavor-Packed Delight

This Tuscan Butter Salmon recipe is a rich and creamy dish that combines seared, tender salmon with a luxurious garlic butter sauce infused with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an elegant meal that feels indulgent, yet it comes together in no time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brighten the creamy sauce, balancing out the rich flavors of the salmon for a beautifully composed dish.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on, patted dry
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and/or basil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sear the Salmon:

• Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), place the salmon fillets skin side up in the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until the flesh is golden brown.
• Flip the salmon and cook for another 2 minutes on the skin side. Transfer the fillets to a plate and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices into the pan.
• Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce:

• Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to bubble for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened.

4. Combine and Finish:

• Return the seared salmon fillets back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top of the salmon and let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through to your liking.

5. Serve and Garnish:

• Once done, remove from heat and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon, which will brighten up the richness of the sauce.

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Tips for the Best Tuscan Butter Salmon:

• Choose Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor, use high-quality salmon. Wild-caught salmon is a great option, but if you’re using farmed salmon, be sure to buy it from a reputable source.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Salmon continues to cook off the heat, so removing it from the skillet while it’s still slightly underdone will give you perfectly cooked, flaky salmon once served.
• Customize the Herbs: You can switch up the herbs based on your preference. Basil adds a touch of sweetness, while parsley lends a fresh brightness. A mix of both works beautifully.
• Pair with Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, a simple pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.

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This Tuscan Butter Salmon is sure to impress with its restaurant-worthy flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again!