20-Minute Creamy Tomato Salmon Skillet

4.9

(41)

34 Reviews

Salmon fillets cook quickly and are coated with a delicious creamy sauce made with tomatoes, zucchini and Italian seasoning. This easy salmon dinner is sure to become a new weeknight favorite the whole family will love. The best news: you can get this meal on the table in 20 minutes flat.

Carolyn Casner

Updated on July 23, 2024

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Reviewed by Dietitian

Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Carb Nut-Free Omega-3 Low-Sodium Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

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Ingredients

1 ¼ pounds salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
¼ teaspoon salt, divided
¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup dry white wine
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

Pat salmon dry and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook until the underside is browned and releases easily from the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the salmon and continue to cook until opaque in the center, another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, zucchini and onion to the pan. Cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and add wine. Cook, stirring, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Return the salmon to the pan and turn to coat with the sauce. Serve topped with basil.

Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Equipment

Large skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salmon healthy?

Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, protein, vitamin B12, selenium and potassium. The omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals in salmon have been linked with reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved skin health and strengthened immunity.
Is zucchini good for you?

Zucchini is a low-carb vegetable that is high in vitamin C and also provides a healthy dose of potassium and folate, as well as a shot of magnesium. Along with these nutrients, zucchini's antioxidants help protect your skin, heart, bones and eyes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free.
How do you buy the freshest salmon?

When buying fresh salmon fillets, the salmon should be firm to the touch and should bounce back after touching. It should have a mild, neutral smell and not be overly fishy.
Is there a substitute for the white wine?

You can replace the white wine with an equal amount of low-sodium vegetable broth or seafood stock plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a touch of brightness and acidity to balance out the dish.
How do I know when salmon is done?

If you have an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the salmon until it registers 145°F. It's best to use an instant-read thermometer to check for internal doneness, but there are a couple of cues to look for if you don't have one. Salmon is cooked when it turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork.
What can I serve with 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Salmon Skillet?

This creamy tomato salmon recipe pairs well with just about anything. It's great served over whole-wheat pasta, mashed potatoes, brown rice or cauliflower rice. For an easy dinner, serve with a leafy green side salad and a slice of crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

366	Calories
21g	Fat
10g	Carbs
30g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 4 oz. salmon & 3/4 cup vegetables
Calories 366
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 30g	60%
Total Fat 21g	27%
Saturated Fat 5g	25%
Cholesterol 92mg	31%
Vitamin A 716IU	14%
Sodium 263mg	11%
Potassium 1064mg	23%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.