Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Marry Me Salmon! This dish is everything you crave in one skillet—juicy salmon fillets draped in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with a whisper of garlic and a pop of zingy Parmesan. It’s quick enough for a busy Monday but so irresistible it feels like it belongs at a fancy celebration. If you’re searching for a salmon recipe that will wow your table and maybe even win someone’s heart, this is the one to try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me Salmon is in how it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something truly special. Each element plays a role in the symphony of flavors, textures, and colors—don’t skip or skimp if you want to taste the dish in all its glory!

Salmon fillets: Choose center-cut, skin-on fillets for best flavor and a luxurious, flaky texture.
Olive oil: A quick sear in olive oil locks in moisture and gives the fish irresistible golden edges.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for building that rich aromatic base in the sauce; jarred just won’t pop the same way.
Red pepper flakes (optional): These add just a hint of heat—totally optional but totally worth it if you like a little kick.
Heavy cream: Delivers the signature creamy sauce—don’t swap this out unless you’re going for the dairy-free option.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things savory and balances richness, while letting you control the salt level.
Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty punch of Parmesan is the secret ingredient that ties the whole sauce together.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These jewels add color and chewy texture, plus a concentrated hit of sweet-tart flavor.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend to echo the sauce’s creamy, herby soul.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the fish and the sauce—taste as you go to get it just right!
Fresh basil (optional): Finish with basil for a burst of color and a hint of aniseed freshness, especially delightful on the plate.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry—this is crucial for getting that gorgeous sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. The seasoning melds into the salmon as it cooks, bringing the foundational flavor that sets the stage for the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and bring it to a shimmer over medium-high heat. Add the salmon skin-side up, and let the fillets sizzle undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, so you get that mouthwatering golden crust. Flip carefully, cook another 2–3 minutes, then move the salmon to a plate (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later).

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Drop the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir for just 30 seconds, letting the savory aroma bloom—don’t let the garlic brown. Right away, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up every flavorful fleck clinging to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Make it Creamy and Dreamy

Now, swirl in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give it all a good stir, and let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes. It’ll thicken slightly, turning velvety and creamy, with those vivid pops of sun-dried tomato throughout.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Tuck the salmon fillets back into the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over the tops. Gently simmer for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the fish to finish cooking through. Sprinkle over fresh basil if you love a burst of color, then serve Marry Me Salmon warm, letting everyone spoon extra sauce over their plate!

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan instantly elevates the Marry Me Salmon at the table. The basil gives a bright, aromatic finish, while a squeeze of lemon can add a subtle sparkle.

Side Dishes

Since the sauce is downright irresistible, serve Marry Me Salmon alongside something that can soak up every drop—pillowy mashed potatoes, your favorite pasta shape, or a simple mound of steamed rice. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or sautéed broccolini balances out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your plating! Nestle Marry Me Salmon over creamy polenta for a rustic presentation, or divide the salmon into bite-sized chunks to toss with penne and sauce for an all-in-one pasta bowl. Hosting? Serve in a wide, shallow dish surrounded by charred lemon halves for dramatic effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Salmon keeps well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, making sure to spoon the creamy sauce right over the fish so it stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Marry Me Salmon, the cream-based sauce may separate or lose its silky texture when thawed. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge, planning on a gentle reheating and perhaps a splash of cream to bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat Marry Me Salmon on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the salmon can dry out and sauce might break.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then pat them very dry before seasoning and searing. This will help get that gorgeous crust and prevent water from thinning the sauce.

How can I make Marry Me Salmon dairy-free?

Substitute full-fat coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The flavor will shift slightly but the sauce will still be indulgently creamy and delicious.

Is it possible to use a different fish?

Definitely—trout or Arctic char both work beautifully in Marry Me Salmon, but adjust the cooking time as their fillets may be thinner or cook faster.

What wine pairs best with Marry Me Salmon?

A crisp Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry rosé is a dreamy pairing, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and finish with the salmon right before serving for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy salmon recipe that feels extra-special, let Marry Me Salmon work its magic. It’s simple, speedy, and full of flavor—exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to share with all your favorite people. Give it a whirl, and prepare for rave reviews at the dinner table!

Marry Me Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Salmon recipe is a luxurious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner at home. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper.
Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the salmon, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer.
Finish Cooking: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer until fully cooked.
Serve: Garnish with basil and enjoy warm.