If you’re looking to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both indulgent and impressively easy to make, this Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Alfredo Penne is the perfect recipe. Rich, savory, and bursting with flavor, this dish combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with a velvety Alfredo sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and penne pasta—all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or feeding a hungry family, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Dish
Tuscan-inspired flavors are known for their rustic charm and creamy, herbaceous notes. This recipe brings together:
- Perfectly seared salmon – tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection
- Creamy Alfredo sauce – made with garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream
- Hearty pasta – penne that soaks up every drop of sauce
- Flavor boosters – sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and a pinch of heat
This isn’t just comfort food—it’s a complete, balanced, and gourmet-quality meal you can whip up at home.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the salmon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary
- 12 oz penne pasta – or your preferred pasta shape
- 3 tablespoons butter – adds richness to the sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – for deep, savory aroma
- 1½ cups heavy cream – the foundation of the Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – salty, nutty, and creamy
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a subtle kick
- 1 cup baby spinach – adds freshness and color
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – for a tangy, chewy contrast
- Fresh parsley & extra Parmesan, for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Season both sides of your salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to your liking. Remove the fillets and set aside, keeping them warm.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the sauce for about 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place the seared salmon fillets on top of the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve hot, and enjoy the compliments.
🕒 Cooking & Nutrition Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~645 kcal per serving
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon – Remove it from heat when it’s just opaque in the center; it will continue to cook slightly after being removed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded, improving sauce texture.
- Try it with fettuccine or linguine if you want a more traditional Alfredo pairing.
🍷 Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will complement the creamy sauce and rich salmon.
- Side: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Alfredo Penne is more than just a dinner—it’s a culinary experience you can create in your own kitchen. Packed with flavor, balanced with protein and veggies, and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Bon appétit—and don’t forget to save room for seconds!
