This Marry Me Salmon is so incredibly delicious, it’s practically guaranteed to get a proposal! Just kidding… maybe! But in all seriousness, this dish is a real winner. The salmon is cooked to flaky perfection, and the creamy, flavorful sauce is simply to die for. I love serving this for a special date night, but it’s also easy enough to whip up on a weeknight when I’m craving something a little extra special. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this one to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Flavor: This dish tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Perfectly Cooked Salmon: The salmon is seared to golden perfection, creating a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender and flaky inside.
Irresistible Sauce: The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, is so good you’ll want to lick the plate!
Impressive Yet Easy: It is a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones, yet it requires minimal effort.

Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Marry Me Salmon. I’ve divided them up for clarity, but the full list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below.

Salmon

Salmon filets, skinless (Fish)
Olive oil (Oil)
Dried Italian seasoning (Seasoning)
Kosher salt (Seasoning)
Cracked black pepper (Seasoning)

Sauce

Butter (Fat)
Garlic, minced (Aromatic)
Flour (Thickener)
Chicken broth (Liquid)
Heavy cream (Dairy)
Parmesan, grated (Cheese)
Sun-dried tomatoes, drained (Vegetable)
Dried Italian seasoning (Seasoning)
Lemon zest (Flavoring)

Garnish

Fresh basil (Herb)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love this recipe as is, but here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or other greens to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Use Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, in place of or in addition to the basil.
Add Capers: For a briny, salty kick, add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Let me show you how easy it is to make this incredible Marry Me Salmon!

Prepare the salmon

First, I brush olive oil on each salmon filet and season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Sear the salmon

I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I add the salmon filets and cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes on each side. I lower the heat and let them cook through to the center. Then, I remove the filets from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the sauce

I return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Then, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. I add the flour and stir it to make a paste.
Next, I whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Add the remaining ingredients

I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. I season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Simmer and thicken

I simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Return the salmon

I add the salmon filets back to the skillet and layer them on top of the sauce.

Simmer and garnish

I turn the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, I garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest if I have some on hand.

Serve

Serve warm over pasta or rice.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful when making this recipe:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure there’s enough space between the salmon filets when searing. If the pan is too crowded, they’ll steam instead of sear.
Use Good Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and have a more intense flavor than pre-grated.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer.

How to Serve

I love serving this Marry Me Salmon over a bed of pasta – linguine or fettuccine are great choices. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

Rice: Serve over rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad would pair beautifully with this dish.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread for sopping up that delicious sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is a great make-ahead meal. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the salmon and cooking it. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I use skin-on salmon?
- Yes, you can use skin-on salmon. Just make sure to sear it skin-side down first to get it nice and crispy.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
- You can use chopped fresh tomatoes instead, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I make this dish spicier?
- Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

Enjoy this delicious and impressive Marry Me Salmon! I hope you love it as much as I do.