Description
This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Salmon is the perfect romantic dinner for two (or more!). The rich garlic cream sauce, enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, pairs beautifully with tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress your partner and make any night feel special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Cook the salmon: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (or, if skinless, just place them in the pan). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through, then transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking continuously, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth (about 3-4 minutes).
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thickened to your liking.
- Return the salmon: Gently return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let the salmon heat through for 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, paired with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Notes
- Creamy sauce variations: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the richness of heavy cream will give the dish its luxurious texture.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat if you like.
- Salmon alternatives: This recipe works well with other fish fillets like trout or cod if you’re not a fan of salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian, American