Description
Marry Me Salmon is a luscious and easy-to-make skillet dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce with aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning. This flavorful recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable. The creamy sauce balances the richness of the salmon, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds an optional subtle heat, finished with fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the cooked salmon fillets back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the salmon and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the salmon warms through and absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- To ensure the salmon cooks evenly, use fillets of similar size and thickness.
- If sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are not available, rehydrate dry ones in warm water before chopping.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes amount to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.
- This recipe pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
