If you love salmon but want to elevate it with a rich, flavorful twist, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture perfectly seared salmon nestled in a dreamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach — it’s like a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up on any weeknight!

The image shows a close-up view of a black pan with a creamy sauce and four light brown salmon fillets inside it. Each salmon fillet has a slightly crispy surface with a pinkish-orange color, sprinkled with white shredded cheese and finely chopped green herbs on top. The creamy sauce is pale beige with visible small bits of herbs and some red specks, surrounding the fillets in the pan. A wooden spatula is lifting one salmon fillet from the pan. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this creamy sun-dried tomato salmon — every time I make it, friends ask for the recipe! It’s fancy enough for dinner guests yet simple and quick for those busy nights.

Rich and Creamy: The luscious sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan adds indulgence without overwhelming the salmon.
Bright Flavor Boost: Sun-dried tomatoes give the dish a tangy, savory punch that pairs perfectly with garlic and spinach.
Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes — ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Flexible and Fresh: Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up as you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe is straightforward, but choosing quality ingredients really makes a difference. Opt for fresh salmon fillets with skin on for more flavor, and grab sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to preserve that deep, tangy taste. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

Flat lay of fresh whole salmon fillet with vibrant pink flesh, a small mound of coarse salt crystals, whole black peppercorns scattered neatly, a small heap of crushed red chili flakes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden oil, a simple white ceramic bowl with creamy yellow butter cubes, two peeled garlic cloves whole but unminced for visual clarity, a small pile of bright green packed baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl holding chopped sun-dried tomatoes with rich deep red color, another small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves and curly parsley sprigs arranged symmetrically, and one lemon wedge with bright yellow skin all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon: The star of the dish — firm, flavorful fillets cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and balances the richness of the sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth without overpowering other ingredients.
Crushed Red Pepper: For a slight kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Oil: Using sun-dried tomato oil adds extra flavor, but olive or avocado oil work great too for searing.
Butter: Helps build a rich, silky sauce base and adds delicious depth.
Garlic: The fragrant backbone of the sauce, giving it that irresistible aroma.
Baby Spinach: Adds freshness, subtle earthiness, and a vibrant green pop.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings tang, sweetness, and chewy texture that balance creamy elements.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to savor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty umami that melts into the sauce for richness.
Fresh Basil, Parsley, Lemon Juice: Optional garnishes that brighten the final dish and add fresh herbal notes.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe is that it’s a perfect blank canvas for your kitchen creativity. Feel free to tweak the ingredients or add your favorite touches to make it truly your own!

Variation: Swap baby spinach for fresh kale or arugula for a more rustic, peppery bite. I personally love using kale in the colder months—it adds a nice heartiness that warms you up on chilly evenings.
Spice it up: If you’re a heat lover, add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce. It creates a delicious smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan.
Dairy-free twist: For a dairy-free version, try substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The richness is still there, with a subtle tropical hint!
Seasonal swap: During spring and summer, stir in fresh cherry tomatoes instead of the sun-dried variety for a lighter, fresher flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds a piece of cooked chicken with a light brown, slightly crispy top layer sprinkled with black pepper and white grated cheese. The chicken is covered in a thick creamy beige sauce with green spinach pieces, spreading unevenly around and pooling on the plate. A fork with a wooden handle, standing on the plate, lifts a bite-sized piece of chicken covered with the same creamy sauce. Small bits of parsley are scattered across the plate and surface, adding small green accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Salmon with Care

Start by patting each salmon fillet dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that perfect sear. Sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. These simple seasonings create a flavorful base without overpowering the delicate salmon.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil (or your preferred oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the salmon fillets with space between them—you want them to sizzle, not steam. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the salmon flakes easily. If your fillets have skin, place them skin-side down first for a crispy finish. Once done, transfer the salmon to a clean plate and carefully wipe out any excess oil from the skillet using paper towels.

Step 3: Build a Flavorful Sauce Base

Turn the heat down to medium and melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn! This fragrant foundation sets the tone for the creamy sauce to come.

Step 4: Add Sunshine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in 1 cup of packed baby spinach and ¼ cup of chopped, drained sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for roughly 1 minute, just until the spinach wilts, transforming the sauce with vibrant greens and tangy bursts of tomato flavor.

Step 5: Creamy Goodness Comes Next

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer—be sure to stir frequently so it doesn’t stick or burn. If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to keep it luscious and smooth.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Magic

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. The cheese adds that irresistible, silky texture and richness we all crave. It’s the secret that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 7: Nestle and Serve

Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, nestling them right into the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, and if you like, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish. Don’t forget a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure—you deserve it!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe with ease and confidence, ensuring each bite is full of flavor and perfectly cooked every time.

Use Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Cooking the salmon in the oil packed with sun-dried tomatoes adds an incredible depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: I learned the hard way that salmon can go from tender and juicy to dry very quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C) for medium to keep it moist and flaky.
Wipe the Pan Before Making the Sauce: After searing the salmon, wiping out excess oil means your butter and garlic won’t fry too quickly or burn. This step keeps your sauce smooth and rich without any bitterness.
Wilt the Spinach Just Right: Cooking the spinach just until it’s wilted preserves its bright color and fresh flavor, preventing it from becoming mushy and losing that nice pop against the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe

A turquoise handled black skillet holds a creamy light pink sauce mixed with pieces of cooked meat and dark green leafy vegetables spread throughout. On one side of the sauce, there is a pile of grated white cheese sitting on top. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the entire dish and balances the creamy, savory flavors. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finishing touch!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, light sides like roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up every last drop of that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days—just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve freshness.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t recommended. The delicate cream sauce can separate and change texture after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent curdling. Avoid high heat or microwaving directly as it can overcook the salmon and cause the cream to split.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear and prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though this will slightly alter the flavor and richness of the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ from the traditional version.

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside. Using a digital thermometer, aim for 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C) for medium.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something impressive yet effortless. The rich, garlicky sauce mingling with tender salmon is pure comfort food at its finest. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it's a surefire way to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a delicious, cozy meal any night of the week.