If you’re looking to impress with a dish that’s both irresistibly creamy and incredibly easy, Marry Me Salmon is about to steal your heart (and the hearts of everyone around your table!). This recipe brings together perfectly seared salmon fillets, a luscious garlic cream sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh basil—all in just half an hour. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or just want a restaurant-worthy meal at home, Marry Me Salmon is your golden ticket to rave reviews and satisfied smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, you can create a show-stopping Marry Me Salmon that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Every item here brings its own special flair to the sauce, the salmon, and the final pop of flavor!
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh, center-cut fillets give you rich, buttery flavor and hold up beautifully in creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: For that luscious golden sear on the salmon—use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These humble staples let the main ingredients shine and brighten every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic transforms the sauce into pure magic with its aromatic punch.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and umami, balancing the creamy ingredients without overwhelming them.
- Heavy Cream: The backbone of that dreamy, velvety sauce—accept no substitutes if you’re craving decadence!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide little bursts of tangy sweetness, color, and gorgeous texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—adjust to your taste for a bolder sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty notes that meld beautifully with cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that infuses every bite with Mediterranean warmth.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped for both the sauce and garnish, it adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Begin by giving your salmon fillets a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This quick prep step is essential because it enhances the savory, buttery flavor of the fish and sets the stage for that crispy, irresistible sear.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side up and sear for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip them over and cook another 2 to 3 minutes so each piece turns rich, golden, and almost cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate—don’t worry, it’s going back into the sauce soon!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Drop the heat to medium and toss minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in chicken broth, stirring and scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Now add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the Marry Me Salmon sauce thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Finish and Simmer
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over each fillet. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and soaking up all those decadent flavors. For the grand finale, sprinkle with plenty of fresh basil and get ready to wow your dinner guests!
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon
Garnishes
No Marry Me Salmon is truly complete without a fresh flourish of basil and a delicately grating of Parmesan on top. For an extra pop, a twist of black pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds beautiful color and a touch of heat to your silky sauce.
Side Dishes
To soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce, serve Marry Me Salmon over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, al dente pasta, or even a bed of simple white or wild rice. A crisp green salad or sautéed greens on the side makes the whole meal sing with freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, spoon the Marry Me Salmon fillets and sauce over crostini for elegant appetizers, or bundle the salmon in parchment paper for an extra-special tableside reveal. Serving the sauce with roasted potatoes or as a topping for grilled vegetables is another fabulous way to stretch every delicious bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Marry Me Salmon (with sauce!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The rich flavors meld even more, meaning tomorrow’s lunch will be just as delectable.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce might separate just a bit after freezing, you can freeze Marry Me Salmon for up to one month. Cool everything completely before wrapping the salmon and sauce tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Marry Me Salmon in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over the fish to keep it moist, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to its original silkiness. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can overcook the salmon and change the texture of that luscious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Marry Me Salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is completely thawed and patted dry before searing. This helps you achieve a crisp golden crust and prevents excess water from thinning the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Swap in coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The result will be slightly sweeter, but still irresistibly creamy and delicious.
What type Main Course
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal for Marry Me Salmon because they add richness and are perfectly soft. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in a bit of warm water or olive oil before chopping and adding to the sauce.
Can I make Marry Me Salmon for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double (or triple) the recipe, keeping the same proportions. Use a large skillet or finish the sauce and salmon in a baking dish in the oven to serve everyone at once.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Salmon?
A buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy sauce and tender salmon, balancing the richness and cutting through the flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a new dinnertime classic, you simply have to give Marry Me Salmon a try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for any special occasion. Share it with someone you love—or just treat yourself—and experience why this dish really does live up to its romantic name!
Print
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Salmon recipe that is perfect for a romantic dinner. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and topped with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the salmon until golden.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer.
- Finish cooking: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over fillets, and simmer until cooked through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a pescatarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
