Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne: A Taste of Italy for Your Dinner Table
By Jason Griffith
Imagine perfectly seared, flaky salmon nestled atop a bed of tender penne pasta, all bathed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach. This Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne brings the warmth and flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. It’s a bold, elegant, and deeply satisfying dish that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight family dinner or a special date night in. Get ready for a delicious journey to Tuscany with every single bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that gourmet-tasting meals can be achieved with straightforward methods, and this Tuscan Salmon Penne is a shining example. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is the incredible harmony of textures and flavors. The crispy-skinned, juicy salmon provides a rich counterpoint to the creamy, garlicky pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated burst of sweetness and tang. The spinach adds a lovely freshness and vibrant color. It feels indulgent and sophisticated, yet it comes together quickly in one pan (plus the pasta pot), making it a truly satisfying and fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, as preferred), about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen salmon fillets work well. If using skin-on, ensure you get a good crisp on the skin during searing. Other flaky white fish like cod or halibut could be substituted, but adjust cooking times.
- Pasta: Penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti could be used.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the richness this dish is known for. For a slightly lighter version, you could use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor; drain them well before chopping. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water first.
- Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and easily. You can also use chopped fresh kale, but it will need a bit longer to wilt.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat. Omit entirely for a mild dish.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend usually contains dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Feel free to use individual herbs if preferred.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best and offers superior flavor.
Directions:
1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, just in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Season and Sear the Salmon: While the pasta cooks, pat your salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (one that can comfortably fit all four salmon fillets) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down first (if using skin-on). Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden brown, flaky, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove the seared salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce Base: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, the leftover salmon bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
4. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the 1 cup fresh baby spinach and the ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts down into the sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, using tongs or two large spoons, until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich Tuscan-style sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Carefully place the pan-seared salmon fillets on top of the creamy penne pasta in the skillet or on individual plates. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and savor every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
- Dry Salmon for Sear: Patting the salmon fillets very dry before seasoning ensures a beautiful, crispy sear.
- Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Cook until it just flakes easily with a fork to keep it moist and tender.
- Warm Broth for Pasta (if used for thinning): If you need to thin the sauce, use warm pasta cooking water.
- Gentle Simmer for Cream: Once the heavy cream is added, maintain a gentle simmer. Boiling vigorously can cause the cream to separate.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can clump.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne is a complete, satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette would cut through the richness beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc, an unoaked Chardonnay, or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would be excellent choices to complement the salmon and creamy sauce.
- For other comforting pasta dishes and flavorful weeknight meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce for a timeless pasta night.
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast for another Italian comfort classic.
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a different kind of one-pan magic.
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort for another rich, flavorful main course.
- Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage Foil Pack for another fantastic seafood and sausage combination.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh when the salmon is flaky and the pasta is perfectly coated in creamy sauce.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The sauce may thicken considerably, and the salmon can become a bit dry.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You will likely need to add a splash of extra heavy cream or chicken broth to re-loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Avoid high heat when reheating.
- Freezing: Freezing this dish is generally not recommended as both the creamy sauce and the salmon’s texture can suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne is a true culinary delight—a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting meal that comes together with impressive ease. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and the rich, garlicky Tuscan-inspired pasta creates an unforgettable dining experience that feels both gourmet and incredibly approachable. Get ready to savor the taste of Italy in every luscious bite!
What are your favorite salmon preparations, or do you have a go-to creamy pasta dish? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
Leave a Reply