Marry Me Salmon Recipe

A Decadent, Creamy Salmon Dish to Impress

Marry Me Salmon is a luxurious, creamy, and flavorful dish that features pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce. Inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken, this dish gets its name from the idea that it’s so delicious, it might just win over your significant other. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or simply when you crave an indulgent meal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality meal at home – Impress family or guests with a rich, flavorful dish.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Healthy yet indulgent – Salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids while the creamy sauce adds indulgence.
• Customizable – Adapt it with different seasonings, add veggies, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare and Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add Spinach and Return the Salmon

If using spinach, stir it into the sauce until wilted. Return the seared salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Add more vegetables – Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.
• Spice it up – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Swap the protein – Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.

Serving & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce may separate, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

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

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

What can I serve with Marry Me Salmon?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the sauce separately and sear the salmon just before serving.

Can I make it less creamy?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or increase the broth for a lighter sauce.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! Serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.

What kind of salmon works best?

Wild-caught salmon has more flavor and is healthier, but farmed salmon works too.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes! Sear the salmon first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes before adding the sauce.

What’s a good wine pairing?

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a richer, more intense flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Marry Me Salmon is an irresistible dish that combines perfectly cooked salmon with a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is bound to impress. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Print