Creamy Tuscan Salmon With Rice

Name: Creamy Tuscan Salmon With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals

I absolutely adore this creamy Tuscan salmon dish paired with fluffy rice. The richness of the creamy sauce combined with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach creates a comforting meal that I can enjoy any day of the week. When I first crafted this recipe, I was after something that felt indulgent but didn’t take too long to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, I found the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:49:36.028Z

Creating this Creamy Tuscan Salmon dish was a delightful journey for me. I wanted to incorporate vibrant Mediterranean flavors, so I included sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, which just pairs beautifully with the salmon. The key is allowing the cream to simmer while incorporating the flavors from the sautéed ingredients, resulting in a rich sauce that clings to the salmon perfectly.

One little trick I discovered is to use a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan; it really elevates the dish by adding a hint of acidity that cuts through the creaminess. Trust me, it transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience!

What You'll Love About This Recipe
Richly creamy sauce filled with bright Mediterranean flavors
Perfectly cooked salmon that’s flaky and tender
Easy to make, making weeknight dinners feel special

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is truly the star of this dish. Using heavy cream gives it that rich texture, but remember to simmer it gently. If you cook it at too high a temperature, the cream can separate and lose its silky quality. Stirring in the sun-dried tomatoes not only infuses the sauce with their tangy flavor but also adds a delightful color contrast. I recommend using a high-quality cream for the best results, as it can make a significant difference in taste and consistency.

If you want to enhance the flavor profile further, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice near the end for a bright finish. This can balance the richness of the cream beautifully. For a non-dairy alternative, coconut milk works surprisingly well here, offering a different but equally creamy result that pairs nicely with the sun-dried tomatoes.

Cooking Salmon to Perfection

Cooking salmon is often where home cooks face challenges. To achieve perfectly flaky and tender salmon, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the fish. A good test is to see if the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough. Avoid flipping the salmon too soon; let it develop a nice, golden crust, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. If you're uncertain, check for thawed salmon; it should flake easily with a fork when done, ensuring a moist inside without being overcooked.

Using skin-on salmon fillets is often the best choice. The skin can act as a barrier, preventing the fish from drying out during cooking. If you prefer skinless, just be cautious about your timing and be ready to adjust according to thickness—thicker fillets may need a bit longer, so aim for a cooking time of about 6-7 minutes total per inch of thickness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Fresh basil for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy Tuscan salmon:

Cook the Rice

Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once done, set aside and keep warm.

Sauté the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then add them skin-side down to the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and keep warm.

Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Next, pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine

Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Allow it to heat through for an additional minute.

Serve

To serve, place a scoop of rice on each plate and top with the creamy Tuscan salmon. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of color and added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious creamy Tuscan salmon with rice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. It adds a nice depth and makes it even creamier!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the rice separate to maintain texture. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much. Microwaving can work as well; just be careful not to overheat, which can lead to rubbery salmon.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the salmon and sauce together. However, I recommend freezing only the sauce if you plan on making it ahead of time, as reheated fish can lose its quality. When frozen, it can last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming it up.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this creamy Tuscan salmon with fluffy rice is a classic option, but feel free to get creative. Serve it over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a vibrant, colorful plate. A crisp salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes can also make a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish, adding crunch and acidity that complements the creaminess.

Try garnishing the dish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor and aesthetic appeal. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate can elevate the presentation and add a touch of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory elements.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with any firm fish such as trout or tilapia.

→ Is the white wine necessary?

It's optional, but it enhances the flavor. If you prefer to skip it, add a bit of lemon juice for acidity.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides.