Description
Indulge in Marry Me Salmon, a creamy, flavorful dish featuring pan-seared salmon in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for date nights or special occasions, this easy 30-minute recipe is sure to impress!
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)
Instructions
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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Salmon, creamy salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, salmon in cream sauce, easy salmon dinner