Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Salmon is a flavorful, creamy, and irresistible dish that’s easy to prepare yet fancy enough for a romantic dinner or special occasion. With tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this recipe will have everyone falling in love at first bite. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines convenience with gourmet flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletsolive oilgarlic (minced)sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)heavy creamchicken or vegetable brothParmesan cheesered pepper flakesItalian seasoningsalt and black pepperfresh basil (for garnish)
directions
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the salmon skin-side up for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Add red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets to coat.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
Swap salmon for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
Include a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
What kind of salmon works best?
Skin-on, center-cut fillets are ideal for even cooking and flavor.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Store sauce and salmon separately for best results.
What sides go well with Marry Me Salmon?
Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Do I need to use sun-dried tomatoes?
They add a key flavor, but you can substitute with cherry tomatoes if needed.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet to accommodate more fillets and sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Absolutely, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then add to the sauce.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is a show-stopping dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or when you want to impress with something a little special, it’s a creamy, dreamy meal that’s bound to win hearts.
Print
Marry Me Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear and Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A luscious baked salmon dish with a creamy, sun-dried tomato and herb sauce that’s so decadent it might inspire a proposal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; sear salmon 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Remove salmon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium; add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add sun‑dried tomatoes, cream, broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in basil and lemon juice.
- Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over fillets.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake 8-10 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve salmon with spoonfuls of the creamy sauce over each fillet.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) for easy searing and baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Leftover sauce makes a delicious pasta topping.