Looking for a dish that’s both elegant and full of flavor? Marry Me Salmon is the answer! This rich and creamy salmon recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or even a cozy weeknight meal. With its creamy sauce, fragrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish will have you swooning. The salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection and then smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

The combination of rich butter, olive oil, and aromatic garlic infuses the salmon with incredible flavor, while the creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan adds a decadent touch. Topped with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and fresh. If you’re looking to impress, this Marry Me Salmon will certainly do the trick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Seared Salmon

The salmon is pan-seared in olive oil and butter, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

2. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan is savory and rich—just the right complement to the salmon.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant dish that doesn’t take too long to prepare.

4. Impressive and Elegant

The combination of seared salmon and creamy sauce looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home.

5. Customizable Flavors

You can tweak the recipe to your liking by adjusting the amount of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even adding a bit of spice with red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Olive oil
Butter

For the Sauce:

Fresh garlic (minced)
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Lemon juice and zest (for garnish)

For Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat that complements the creaminess.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Add Vegetables: Sauté spinach, kale, or asparagus along with the salmon for a complete meal that includes both protein and veggies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and the butter is melted, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

Step 4: Return the Salmon to the Pan

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the salmon to coat it in the rich, creamy mixture. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb some of the flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with lemon zest and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Salmon: Ensure that your salmon is dry before searing it. This helps achieve a crispier exterior.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: For perfectly tender salmon, aim for a medium-rare to medium cook. The salmon will continue to cook slightly in the sauce after being added back to the pan.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. They add a richer, more intense flavor to the sauce.

How to Serve

Marry Me Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables like spinach, green beans, or roasted asparagus. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed broccoli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Marry Me Salmon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

While the salmon itself can be frozen, the creamy sauce may separate when reheated. If you plan to freeze the dish, store the salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat the salmon in a skillet, while warming the sauce in a separate pan.

Reheating

Reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If the sauce has thickened, add a small amount of chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. Just be sure to sear them carefully to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

3. How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can use other cheeses like Gruyère or Romano, but Parmesan provides the best flavor for this dish.

5. Can I make the sauce without cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk (like coconut milk), though the texture may be slightly lighter.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the salmon is best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Cook the salmon fresh for the best texture.

7. Can I make Marry Me Salmon with other types of fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other types of fish like trout, cod, or tilapia, though cooking times may vary.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

9. Can I use a different oil besides olive oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil for searing the salmon.

10. How can I store leftover creamy sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Marry Me Salmon is an indulgent, flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a simple, yet elegant dinner at home. With its perfectly seared salmon and rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Garnished with fresh lemon and herbs, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a romantic evening or just a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts.