If there's one dish guaranteed to impress anyone at your table, it's this Marry Me Salmon! This recipe takes perfectly flaky salmon fillets and bathes them in a rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs.
The flavors are absolutely dreamy-savory, tangy, a touch of heat, and so luxurious you'll want to grab some crusty bread and soak up every drop. Plus, it comes together in one pan in just over 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver and the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Whether you're cooking for a date night, a cozy family dinner, or just want to treat yourself, this Marry Me Salmon is a must-try. Trust me-it's love at first bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 35 minutes, using one skillet for easy cleanup
- Perfectly flaky, juicy salmon with a rich, irresistible sauce
- Super impressive but requires zero chef skills
- Customizable to suit low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets
Key Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Salmon Fillets
Salmon is the heart of this recipe, bringing rich flavor and healthy omega-3s. Use center-cut fillets for the most even cooking. Look for skinless, or simply remove the skin before cooking-either fresh or thawed from frozen works beautifully. If you can, opt for wild-caught salmon for a more robust flavor, but farm-raised will also yield a tender result.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These little gems add a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Pat them dry before chopping, and don't hesitate to use the leftover tomato oil for sautéing-it infuses the sauce with even more depth.
Heavy Cream
Cream gives the sauce its signature silkiness and richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free spin, though this will slightly change the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding salty, nutty depth. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch but might not melt as effortlessly. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan-style crumble can work.
Garlic
Fresh garlic packs a warm, savory punch that ties the sauce together-don't skip it! For convenience, you can use jarred minced garlic, but fresh cloves deliver the best flavor. Add more or less to taste.
Instructions for Marry Me Salmon
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Sear the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside-they'll finish cooking in the sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics
Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned salmon bits from the bottom. Stir in Italian herbs and crushed red pepper if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and Season
Sprinkle in the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings-add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Return Salmon & Finish Cooking
Nestle the salmon fillets-along with any juices-back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness (internal temp should reach 125-130°F for medium).
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately, spooning plenty of sauce over each fillet.
Recipe Variations
Make It Dairy-Free
Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. The sauce will take on a slightly tropical undertone but still be luscious and satisfying.
Spice It Up
If you love heat, add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper or diced Calabrian chiles to the sauce. You can also top with a drizzle of chili oil just before serving for an extra kick.
Try a Different Protein
No salmon? No problem! Try this creamy sauce with pan-seared chicken breasts, shrimp, or cod fillets. Cooking times may adjust, but the sauce works beautifully with any of these.
Add More Veggies
Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale right before returning the salmon to the skillet. The greens will wilt into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Friendly
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and parmesan labels to be sure if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
Serving Suggestions
To make this meal feel extra special, serve Marry Me Salmon over al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the glorious sauce. A side of steamed asparagus or crisp green beans adds freshness and color. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan for restaurant-quality flair.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the salmon from drying out. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Salmon (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Marry Me Salmon?A: Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and searing to avoid excess moisture.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?A: You can substitute with half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free), or even a mixture of Greek yogurt thinned with milk for a lighter option. The sauce may be slightly less thick.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: For best texture, cook the salmon just before serving. You can make the sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently, then add and simmer the salmon fillets when ready to eat.
This Marry Me Salmon is pure weeknight magic-easy, elegant, and ridiculously tasty. I hope it wins a permanent spot in your dinner rotation! Don't forget to comment below and share your results, or leave a rating if you loved it. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/basil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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1Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Remove salmon and set aside.
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3Reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same pan for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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4Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until sauce begins to thicken.
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5Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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6Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and cover. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is cooked to your liking.
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7Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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