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

If you’re looking for a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, you’re going to love this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how the rich, velvety sauce blends with the tender salmon, giving you that perfect balance of flavors that makes dinner feel truly special. It s one of those dishes that I reach for on a weeknight when I want to treat my family to something a little extra without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe stand out is the way the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, cutting through the creamy parmesan sauce just right. Whether you re impressing guests or just craving a comforting meal that feels indulgent, this recipe works beautifully. Trust me, once you try it, you ll find yourself making it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe plays an important role creating that luxurious, comforting dish you ll fall for. Here are some tips on choosing quality ingredients that bring out the best in this meal.

• Salmon filets: I prefer skinless for ease, but you can use skin-on if you like crispy skin – just adjust cooking.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, especially in the initial salmon sear.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature Italian vibe without fuss.
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Keep these simple seasonings fresh and balanced to let the salmon shine.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce; don t skip it for that creamy texture.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference for that fragrant base.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce; you can also use cornstarch if you prefer gluten-free.
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium to control the saltiness and deepen the flavor.
• Heavy cream: This is key for that silky sauce, so choose full-fat for best results.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated parmesan offers better flavor and melt than pre-grated.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained but packed with umami; try the oil-packed kind for deeper flavor.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright fresh note against the rich sauce.
• Fresh basil: For garnish and that last fresh herb hit that ties it all together.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible, so you can really make it your own depending on what s in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here are a few tweaks I ve tried that turned out great.

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little extra heat without overwhelming the flavors.
• Cheese swap: Tried pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a saltier twist that my family loved.
• Greens boost: Adding a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce near the end gave me an easy veggie upgrade.
• Make it dairy-free: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and try nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

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

Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Salmon

The first thing I do is brush each salmon filet with olive oil, then sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper evenly on both sides. This simple seasoning step really infuses the fish with Italian flavors. Make sure your salmon pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly – uneven thickness can mean you end up with undercooked or dry spots.

Step 2: Sear Salmon for a Beautiful Crispy Crust

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add your salmon filets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until you get a gorgeous golden-brown crust. I like to leave the heat moderate after flipping, so the salmon cooks gently through without burning the outside. Once seared, remove the salmon and set it aside – don t fully cook it here, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Return your skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter until it s foamy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic – don t let it brown or burn! Stir in the flour, mixing it in to form a smooth paste called a roux; this thickens your sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to avoid lumps, then fold in the grated parmesan for that irresistible cheesy depth.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, an extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and the lemon zest. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy pop, while the lemon zest brightens up the richness just right. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper here – I always find this is key for perfect seasoning before returning the salmon.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish Cooking

Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly – not too thick since it will continue to cook with the salmon. Now, nestle your seared salmon filets right into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the flavors meld. Fresh basil goes on last as a beautiful garnish that adds a herbal freshness.

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

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil is my go-to garnish here – it adds a pop of green and a sweet, herbal note that brightens up the richness. Sometimes I like to add a little extra lemon zest or a couple of thin lemon slices alongside the basil for a zesty, photogenic finish.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this salmon over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that luscious parmesan sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans make a fresh, crisp contrast that’s a perfect balance to the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this salmon in shallow white bowls with plenty of sauce and a sprig of basil on top – it makes the sauce look irresistible and the presentation feel thoughtful. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the look for a dinner party. Another trick is plating on warm pasta nests to present an elegant, cozy plate that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers to keep textures and flavors fresh longer. The sauce holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and salmon is best eaten within 2 days to avoid drying out.

Freezing

While I typically don t freeze cooked salmon with creamy sauces since they can separate, I ve had success freezing the sauce alone in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw it gently and reheat slowly before adding fresh-cooked salmon for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your sauce gently on low heat, stirring to bring it back to a smooth texture without boiling. If you have salmon leftover, I recommend reheating it briefly in the sauce just until warm to avoid drying it out. This keeps the salmon tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but completely doable – and that s what keeps me coming back to it. I love how the flavors just sing together, but it never feels intimidating to make. If you give it a try, I bet it ll become one of your go-to easy dinner recipes that still manages to impress. So why not pull out your skillet and treat yourself and your loved ones tonight? You won t regret it.

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

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• Author: Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Salmon is a decadent and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon filets seared to a golden crisp and served in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Finished with fresh basil and lemon zest, this elegant skillet meal is perfect for serving over pasta or rice for a memorable dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil evenly on each salmon filet and season both sides with Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to infuse 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, approximately 3 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until salmon is cooked through in the center. Remove filets and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux paste that will thicken the sauce.
4. Whisk in liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to combine with the roux. Add grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, additional Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop rich flavors.
7. Return the salmon: Place the salmon filets back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce so they absorb the flavors.
8. Simmer and garnish: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the salmon to warm through and sauce to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and extra lemon zest if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the Marry Me Salmon warm, ideally over cooked pasta or steaming rice for a complete meal.

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Notes

• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh tomatoes can be substituted for a fresher, lighter flavor.
• Cheese alternatives such as cheddar or mozzarella can be used instead of Parmesan for different twists on the flavor.
• This dish can be made ahead by preparing the sauce in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the salmon and finishing the cooking.

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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