Marry Me Salmon features well-seasoned, juicy pan-seared salmon in a creamy garlic sun-dried tomato sauce. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this incredibly delicious low-carb dish is sure to bring everyone rushing to the dinner table!
Every bite of this Marry Me Salmon is complete decadence! It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with the irresistible flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The salmon fillets are seared to juicy perfection. Then, you’ll make the Tuscan sauce with sautéed onion, garlic, cream, parmesan cheese, and a hint of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so quick and easy to make, yet it tastes like something straight out of a gourmet restaurant! Pair it with your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes and a salad for a meal the whole family will request again and again.
If you love the “marry me” flavor as much as my family, try our Marry Me Chicken, Marry Me White Beans, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta next!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here are the ingredients that make this Marry Me Salmon recipe so amazing! You’ll find the full list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Salmon fillets: Use 4 to 5 fillets that are about the same size, so they cook at the same rate.
- Seasonings: To give the salmon lots of great flavors, rub on a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Onion and garlic: Sautéed to add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- For the sauce: A mix of heavy whipping cream and chicken broth creates a smooth and velvety sauce with a wonderful taste.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slight sweetness for that signature “marry me” flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh basil adds a pop of color, and to brighten the flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How to make marry me salmon
This impressive dish is ready in less than 30 minutes! You’ll want to make it on the regular. Here’s how it all comes together:
Season the salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets, combine all the spices in a small bowl, and rub seasoning all over the salmon fillets.
Cook: Heat oil in a large heavy-duty skillet. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook 4 minutes per side. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add butter and onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent and lightly golden. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Next, add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Stir until combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt to your liking.
Add salmon to the sauce: Return salmon to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Turn off heat and garnish with basil and a fresh drizzle of lemon juice.
Helpful tips
- Get a good sear: For salmon with a crispy, golden exterior, make sure your pan is hot before adding the salmon. Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it and aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 135ºF for perfect, moist fish that’s not too dry.
- Freshly grated cheese: I recommend grating your own Parmesan. It will melt more smoothly into the sauce and offer a richer flavor.
- Balance the sauce: If you find the sauce too rich, add a bit of lemon juice or extra sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of acidity and balance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works great! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream for a lighter version. However, the texture and richness may differ.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Roasted or sautéed veggies like asparagus, broccoli or sliced mushrooms would be delicious. You could also wilt some spinach into the sauce and/or add in artichokes.
Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients
- 4-5 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt
- ½ teaspoon EACH oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- Juice of ½ lemon, optional
Instructions
- Pat dry the salmon fillets, combine all the spices in a small bowl, and rub seasoning all over the salmon fillets.
- Heat oil in a large heavy-duty skillet. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook 4 minutes per side. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Add butter and onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent and lightly golden. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Next, add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Stir until combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt to your liking.
- Return salmon to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Turn off heat and garnish with basil and a fresh drizzle of lemon juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe by Layla Atik // Photography by: Eat Love Eats
Storage recommendations
Marry Me Salmon is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove until warmed through, and add a splash of chicken broth to thin out the sauce if needed.
Delicious 5 star dish!