Marry Me Salmon transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special with its rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never fails to impress my family and guests alike.
The first time I made this recipe, my husband took one bite and said it was so good I should make it every week. That’s when I knew this creamy, dreamy salmon dish was destined to become a staple in our kitchen.The combination of perfectly seared salmon with that luscious Parmesan cream sauce creates pure comfort food magic—especially when served alongside my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a surf-and-surf dinner twist. What makes this recipe truly special is how it delivers restaurant-quality flavors using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon
This recipe has become one of my most requested dishes because it strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable. I’ve served it to dinner guests who’ve asked for the recipe before dessert even arrived, and it’s equally perfect for a cozy Tuesday night with the family.
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you can find anywhere
Creates perfectly balanced creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite
Elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for busy weeknights
Completely customizable – swap salmon for chicken or shrimp with great results
Rich cream sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
This creamy salmon dish is more than just dinner—it’s a moment of pure comfort that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
Ingredient Note List
Salmon Fillets: I always recommend choosing fresh, skin-on fillets about 6 ounces each because they hold together better during searing and provide the perfect portion size.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add intense, concentrated flavor and beautiful color to the cream sauce—I prefer oil-packed varieties for extra richness.
Heavy Cream: The foundation of our luscious sauce, heavy cream creates that silky texture that makes this Marry Me Salmon so irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded and gives the sauce a nutty, sharp flavor that balances the richness perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce base and fills your kitchen with the most wonderful smell.
Italian Seasoning: This herb blend brings Mediterranean flavors that complement both the salmon and sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate salmon flavors.
Fresh Basil: The bright, fresh finish that makes this dish restaurant-worthy and adds a pop of color to the creamy sauce.
How to Cook Marry Me Salmon
Step 1. I usually start by patting the salmon completely dry with paper towels, then seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper—this ensures the perfect golden sear.
Step 2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then carefully place the salmon skin-side up and let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to use the same pan for the sauce because all those delicious browned bits add incredible flavor—so I remove the salmon and melt butter in the same skillet.
Step 4. I’ve found that sautéing the garlic for just 30 seconds prevents it from burning, then I add the sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5. For the creamiest sauce, I lower the heat before adding the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 6. My husband prefers when I let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon perfectly.
Step 7. I gently nestle the salmon back into the skillet and spoon that gorgeous sauce over each fillet, letting everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
Step 8. The final touch of fresh basil makes all the difference—I sprinkle it generously over each portion just before serving for that pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Marry Me Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month. In my experience, the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a gentle stir while reheating usually brings it back together.
For best results, I recommend reheating this dish on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture. You can also use the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent the cream from breaking.
Marry Me Salmon
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Salmon features seared salmon fillets in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Elegant and ready in under 30 minutes.
Pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the seared salmon to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the fillets and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, or until salmon is fully cooked.
Top with chopped fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side.
Notes
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Substitute coconut cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version. You can also bake the dish after searing the salmon: bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
What to Serve with Marry Me Salmon
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The fluffy texture of mashed potatoes soaks up that incredible sun-dried tomato cream sauce perfectly, creating pure comfort food bliss—though I sometimes swap in Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for an even richer pairing.
Garlic Butter Asparagus: The crisp-tender asparagus provides a fresh contrast to the rich salmon while the garlic echoes the flavors in the cream sauce beautifully.
Buttery Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy rice pilaf acts as the perfect neutral base that lets the bold flavors of the Marry Me Salmon shine through. For a heartier twist, serve it with my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing element that balances the entire meal.
Crusty Sourdough Bread: In my kitchen, I often serve warm bread alongside this dish because it’s perfect for sopping up every last drop of that heavenly cream sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight char and nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts complement the creamy salmon while adding nutritious green vegetables to the plate.
FAQs
How many calories are in Marry Me Salmon?
Each serving of this Marry Me Salmon contains approximately 450 calories with 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option that fits well into most meal plans.
Is Marry Me Salmon healthy for you?
I recommend this dish as part of a balanced diet because salmon provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, though the cream sauce makes it more of an occasional treat than an everyday meal.
Can I make Marry Me Salmon dairy-free?
Absolutely—I often substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative to create a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
Why is my Marry Me Salmon sauce too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon of cream or pasta water at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency—I’ve found this happens when the sauce simmers too long.
