If you re looking for a stunning dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, you ll absolutely want to try this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. I love this recipe because it elevates simple salmon filets into something truly special with a luscious, cheesy sauce that s bursting with flavor. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan creates a rich, tangy creaminess, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in.

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly. It s one of those meals that feels fancy but doesn t require hours in the kitchen or tons of complicated steps. You ll find that the sauce comes together quickly and beautifully coats the salmon, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it s ideal for a date night dinner, family get-together, or anytime you want to wow with a meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-Packed: The creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes adds an irresistible depth of flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it s a gourmet-worthy dish that doesn t demand all day in the kitchen.
  • Versatile: It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepped ahead of time to save you stress on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness. From the fresh salmon to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and sharp parmesan cheese, these ingredients balance richness and brightness perfectly. When shopping, look for quality salmon filets and good parmesan for best results.

  • Salmon filets: Skinless works best here for a clean sear and easy plating.
  • Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
  • Dried Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbs like oregano and basil that enhance the dish s aroma.
  • Kosher salt: For seasoning that brings out all the flavors.
  • Cracked black pepper: Adds just a gentle kick.
  • Butter: Essential for a silky sauce base.
  • Garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and a bit of punch.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
  • Chicken broth: The liquid backbone adding savory depth.
  • Heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy texture.
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: The star cheese providing nutty, salty richness.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Their concentrated flavor is the real game-changer.
  • Lemon zest: Adds fresh brightness to balance the creaminess.
  • Fresh basil: A fresh herbaceous finish that makes the dish pop.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but don t be afraid to make it your own. You can easily adjust the creaminess, spice level, or swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Cooking is all about making it work for you, so feel free to experiment!

  • Spicy twist: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a subtle heat, and my family loves the extra kick.
  • Cheese swap: If you re short on parmesan, sharp cheddar or mozzarella can work in a pinch, though it changes the flavor profile a bit.
  • Tomato options: No sun-dried tomatoes? Chopped fresh cherry tomatoes are a fresh alternative but won t be as intense in flavor.
  • Herb tweaks: Fresh thyme or oregano in place of basil can give the dish a slightly different herbaceous note that s delightful too.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon

Start by brushing the salmon filets with olive oil – this helps create that gorgeous golden crust we all love. Then sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper evenly over each filet. Make sure every bite is seasoned well; trust me, this little step adds so much to the final flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets carefully and cook about 3 minutes per side until they get that beautiful crispy, golden exterior. Don t rush here – you want the salmon nicely browned but still moist inside. After searing, lower the heat and let them finish cooking through. Then, remove the salmon and set it aside so we can build the sauce next.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

With the skillet still warm, melt butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a smooth paste; this roux will thicken your sauce beautifully. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Then slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and the lemon zest. These ingredients create a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, and herbal notes. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Return Salmon and Simmer Gently

Lay the seared salmon filets directly into the creamy sauce. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. This not only reheats the salmon but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and extra lemon zest for that bright, fresh finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

  • Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each salmon filet enough space while searing for a crispy crust instead of steaming.
  • Add Lemon Zest at the End: Adding lemon zest last preserves its bright citrus aroma that really lifts the sauce.
  • Whisk Sauce Continuously: When adding flour and liquids, constant whisking prevents lumps for a smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Simmer Sauce Gently: Avoid boiling cream; low and slow heat keeps the sauce silky without curdling.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

The image shows several pieces of cooked salmon with a slightly charred and browned top layer. The salmon has a pinkish-orange color and flaky texture. The pieces are resting in a thick orange creamy sauce with bits of red and white, likely from tomatoes and garlic or cheese. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The dish is presented on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. A little extra lemon zest on top adds a zesty brightness that wakes up every forkful. Sometimes, I even sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I m craving a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Serving this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with creamy parmesan sauce over a bed of al dente pasta is my go-to for a satisfying meal. I ve also enjoyed it with garlic mashed potatoes or fluffy jasmine rice; both soak up the sauce beautifully. Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are great to add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the salmon atop a swirl of creamy polenta or risotto, spoon the sauce around deliberately, and garnish with basil and edible flowers for extra flair. Arranging sun-dried tomatoes artistically and adding a lemon wedge on the side makes it feel restaurant-worthy right at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. The sauce holds up well for up to 3 days, while the salmon is best eaten within 2 days. Keeping them separate means the salmon doesn t get soggy, and you can gently reheat just what you need.

Freezing

I generally don t recommend freezing this recipe because the cream sauce can separate when thawed. However, if you want to freeze, do it without the salmon-freeze the sauce alone in a sturdy container and thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Fresh salmon is best cooked fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce gently on low heat, whisking occasionally to bring back its creamy texture. Add the salmon at the end just long enough to heat through without overcooking it. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can dry out the fish and break the sauce.

FAQs

  1. Can I use skin-on salmon for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use skin-on salmon if you prefer. Just make sure to crisp the skin well in the pan before flipping. The skin adds extra flavor and texture but requires slightly longer searing to get crispy.

  2. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

    If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won t be as rich or thick. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.

  3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

    The sauce can be frozen, but I don t recommend freezing the salmon itself, as it can affect texture and flavor. Freeze the sauce separately and reheat gently later.

  4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

    Adding crushed red pepper flakes when making the sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for good reason-it s luxurious without being intimidating, full of fresh and comforting flavors, and so satisfying every time. I love sharing it with friends and family because it feels special without a lot of fuss, and the compliments never stop rolling in! Trust me, once you make this, it ll quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners or a show-stopping dish for when you want to impress.

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Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Marry Me Salmon is a delicious and creamy skillet-cooked salmon recipe featuring a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce with fragrant Italian seasoning and lemon zest. Perfectly seared salmon filets are simmered gently in a luscious sauce, making it an elegant yet easy meal to serve over pasta or rice.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Salmon

  • 4 salmon filets, skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil on each salmon filet and season them evenly with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook until golden brown and crispy on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Reduce heat to allow the salmon to cook through to the center before removing from skillet and setting aside.
  3. Make the sauce: Keep the skillet on medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste, which will thicken the sauce.
  4. Whisk in the liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together beautifully.
  7. Return the salmon: Carefully add the salmon filets back into the skillet, placing them on top of the sauce to gently reheat and absorb flavors.
  8. Simmer and garnish: Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves and optionally additional lemon zest for bright color and aroma.
  9. Serve: Serve the marry me salmon warm, ideally over cooked pasta or rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, chopped fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • For a different flavor profile, try using other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella in place of parmesan.
  • This recipe works well as a make-ahead meal; prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding salmon and finishing the cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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