Hey y’all! Ready to wow your loved ones with an unfussy yet utterly irresistible dish? Marry Me Salmon is the ultimate weeknight or date-night recipe — the kind that gets everyone talking (and maybe proposing!). The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce hugs each flaky bite of salmon, promising a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen. Trust me, there’s a reason this recipe goes viral! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Creamy: The sauce is rich, velvety, and perfectly complements the tender salmon.
- Elegant Presentation: Gorgeous enough for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all the magic happening in a single skillet.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your cravings or dietary needs.
Marry Me Salmon Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or fish stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, presentation-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan, simmering for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Return Salmon to the Sauce
Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the fish and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the sauce is creamy. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes for the Best Marry Me Salmon
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (Serious Eats guide).
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin with a splash of broth or cream until desired consistency.
- For extra tang, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Marry Me Salmon Variations
- Dairy-Free Marry Me Salmon: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Spicy Version: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Greens Add-In: Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce in the last 2 minutes of simmering.
Required Equipment for Marry Me Salmon
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet
- Fish spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Paper towels
Marry Me Salmon Storage Instructions
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture and texture.
- Not recommended for freezing, as cream sauces may separate.
What to Serve with Marry Me Salmon
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Blistered green beans, asparagus, or a crisp mixed green salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve it with crusty bread or perfectly steamed rice to complete the meal.
Pro Tips for Marry Me Salmon
- Bring salmon to room temperature before cooking for the most even results (Bon Appétit).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; sear salmon in batches if necessary for a perfect crust.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for a silkier, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Marry Me Salmon FAQ
- Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
- Yes! Thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
- Is Marry Me Salmon gluten-free?
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but confirm that all processed ingredients (like broth and sun-dried tomatoes) are certified GF.
- How can I tell if my salmon is cooked through?
- The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout, or use a thermometer to ensure it hits 145°F.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
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1Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets skin-side up for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
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4Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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5Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors and heat salmon through.
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6Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
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.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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