Looking for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress? Marry Me Salmon might just be the perfect answer! This creamy, dreamy salmon recipe combines tender fillets with a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish is sure to make everyone fall in love—bite after bite.
What Is Marry Me Salmon?
Marry Me Salmon is a creamy salmon dish made with tender pan-seared fillets nestled in a velvety sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. The combination of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors creates a meal that’s elegant yet easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a date night or when you want to wow your family with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich, creamy sauce elevates salmon to new heights.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salmon
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season 4 salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Finishing the Dish
- Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning sauce over each fillet.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or penne to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With Rice: Pair with jasmine or basmati rice for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a lighter option.
- Mashed Potatoes: The sauce pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate indulgence.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze Sauce Separately: While the salmon is best fresh, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before adding fresh-cooked salmon.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace salmon with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a keto-friendly meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw the salmon completely before cooking to ensure even searing.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers make excellent substitutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and add freshly cooked salmon before serving.
Marry Me Salmon is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience! With its creamy sauce, tender salmon, and customizable options, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch your loved ones fall in love with every bite. Share your cooking journey in the comments—did this dish win hearts in your home?
PrintMarry Me Salmon Recipe: Creamy and Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Marry Me Salmon is a luxurious dish featuring tender salmon fillets bathed in a creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for special occasions or an elevated weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add heavy cream, broth, and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer on low for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine and Cook:
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the salmon is warmed through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option or replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving