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Creamy Tomato Salmon Skillet

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This 20-minute salmon skillet features tender fillets simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with zucchini, onions, and Italian herbs. A splash of dry white wine enhances the flavor while cream cheese adds richness to the dish. It's an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Garnish with fresh basil for a fresh finish and serve straight from the pan for a warm, hearty meal that delivers both comfort and nutrition with minimal effort.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Fri, 01 Aug 2025 18:31:55 GMT
A skillet with salmon and vegetables. Bookmark
A skillet with salmon and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

This quick and cozy dish brings together tender salmon fillets and a creamy tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs. With zucchini and onion for added texture and flavor, it’s the kind of meal I reach for when I want something comforting but fast. Perfect for weeknights when time is tight but I still want to serve something wholesome and satisfying.

This one became an instant hit in my kitchen the first time I tried it midweek. Now I keep canned tomatoes and cream cheese stocked just for this.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillet: skinned and portioned adds rich omega threes and cooks fast
  • Olive oil: helps sear the salmon and soften the vegetables
  • Zucchini: sliced thinly brings moisture and mild sweetness
  • Onion: chopped adds savory depth and blends into the sauce
  • Dry white wine: balances the cream and brightens flavor
  • No salt diced tomatoes: create a tangy tomato base
  • Cream cheese: melts into the sauce making it smooth and rich
  • Italian seasoning: gives herbaceous warmth
  • Garlic powder: rounds out the flavor
  • Fresh basil: added last brings freshness and color
  • Salt and pepper: season everything evenly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the fillets dry to help them sear properly. Sprinkle both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper for balanced seasoning.
Cook the Salmon:
Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Place salmon skin side up and sear for three to four minutes until golden. Flip and cook another two to three minutes until center is opaque. Transfer to a plate to rest.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in zucchini and onion and cook over medium for about three minutes until they start softening.
Deglaze and Reduce:
Increase heat slightly and pour in the wine. Stir gently while cooking for about two minutes until most of the liquid evaporates. This step builds flavor into the sauce base.
Simmer the Sauce:
Lower heat and stir in the tomatoes cream cheese seasoning garlic powder and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer gently for four to five minutes until cream cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish:
Return the salmon to the pan and spoon sauce over each piece. Let it warm for a minute. Sprinkle chopped basil on top before serving warm.
A skillet with salmon and vegetables. Bookmark
A skillet with salmon and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

You Must Know

I always look forward to the creamy tomato sauce in this dish. It reminds me of late summer dinners when basil is fresh and abundant from the garden.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat to keep the salmon tender. Avoid microwaving too long which can dry out the fish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap dry white wine with vegetable broth if needed. Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. Fresh spinach can replace zucchini for a greener twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with couscous rice or even crusty bread to mop up the sauce. A side of roasted asparagus or green beans makes a complete meal.

A skillet with salmon and vegetables. Bookmark
A skillet with salmon and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Tomato cream sauces have roots in Italian inspired cooking and pair naturally with seafood. This version takes that tradition and adapts it for fast modern meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking for best texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Neufchâtel cheese or a bit of heavy cream can work well as substitutes to maintain creaminess.

→ Is white wine necessary in the sauce?

No, you can replace it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic alternative.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms can be great additions based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the salmon.

→ What’s a good side dish with this?

Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Creamy Tomato Salmon Skillet

Creamy tomato-salmon skillet with zucchini and herbs, ready in 20 minutes.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1.25 pounds salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
Ingredient 02 0.25 teaspoon salt, divided
Ingredient 03 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
Ingredient 04 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Ingredient 05 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
Ingredient 06 0.5 cup chopped onion
Ingredient 07 0.33 cup dry white wine
Ingredient 08 15 ounces no-salt-added diced tomatoes
Ingredient 09 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
Ingredient 10 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ingredient 11 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 12 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook 3–4 minutes until browned and it releases easily. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes until opaque. Transfer to a plate.

Step 03

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, zucchini, and onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Increase heat to medium-high and add wine. Cook, stirring, until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.

Step 05

Add tomatoes, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer and stir until cream cheese is melted, 4–5 minutes.

Step 06

Return salmon to the pan and coat with sauce. Top with chopped basil and serve warm.

Extra Tips

  1. Make sure the salmon is dry before cooking to help achieve a crisp sear.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains fish and dairy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~