Creamy Marry Me Salmon
Creamy Marry Me Salmon is a rich and irresistible dish featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners, offering a comforting and indulgent flavor experience that elevates everyday salmon.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth (to thin sauce if needed)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
- Step 1: Sear the Salmon – Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, bringing the mixture to a simmer to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs – Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chopped fresh basil or preferred herbs. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, adjusting to your taste.
- Step 4: Combine and Simmer – Return the seared salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the salmon to absorb the flavors and the sauce to coat the fish beautifully.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy – Plate the salmon and spoon the creamy sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with extra basil leaves or Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Monitor cooking times to avoid overcooking; salmon should remain tender and flaky.
- Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker consistency or add chicken broth to thin it if needed.
- Prep garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs ahead of time to streamline cooking.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or blend cream with broth.
- Add Parmesan towards the end of cooking to prevent clumping or grit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Creamy Salmon, Marry Me Salmon, Garlic Salmon, Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, Quick Salmon Recipe, Dinner Recipe, Gluten Free, Creamy Sauce