If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and incredibly comforting, this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe should be at the top of your list. The first time I made this, I was floored by how the creamy parmesan sauce paired perfectly with the tender salmon and the bright pop of sun-dried tomatoes-it s like a little celebration on your plate every single time. Honestly, it s one of those dishes that s perfect for dinner parties or a special weeknight when you want to feel like you’re indulging without too much fuss.
What makes this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe so special is how approachable it is. You don t have to be a gourmet chef to pull it off, but you ll end up with flavors that taste like you are! I love that it comes together in about 30 minutes and the sauce is so luscious, rich, and satisfying, yet still delicate enough to let that salmon shine. Once you try it, you ll definitely have this recipe bookmarked for those “wow” moments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet Elegant: It s deceptively easy but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes brings out the best in salmon.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight or last-minute dinner plans.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies-great for customizing to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I ve found that using fresh, quality ingredients really makes this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe sing. Each component from the sun-dried tomatoes to the parmesan adds layers of flavor that combine beautifully.
- Salmon Filets: Choose skinless for ease, but skin-on works too if you prefer crispy edges.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor and searing.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a lovely Mediterranean touch.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Butter: Key for building that rich, silky sauce.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce just right.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory goodness and balances the cream.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that creamy Parmesan texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give bursts of tangy sweetness and chewiness.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens the whole dish with zesty notes.
- Fresh Basil: Used for garnish to add freshness and color.
Variations
I love tweaking recipes according to what s in season or what my family is craving, and this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is great for that. Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on things!
- Add Spice: I sometimes add red pepper flakes for a little kick-it balances the creaminess beautifully.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you don t have sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh tomatoes work nicely, especially in summer.
- Cheese Swap: Try a mix of parmesan and pecorino for a sharper, tangier flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for parmesan to make it dairy free and still delicious.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon
Start by brushing each salmon filet with olive oil, then seasoning generously with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper. I like to use a skinless cut here for ease, but skin-on works if you prefer crispy skin. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and place the salmon in once hot. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat to medium, and cook a little longer until the salmon is cooked through but still juicy. Remove and set aside-this sear locks in flavor and gives a beautiful texture contrast.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet (don t clean it, we want those delicious browned bits!), melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant-your kitchen will smell amazing. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to make a roux (a thick paste) that will thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Then add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, extra Italian seasoning, and fresh lemon zest to brighten everything up. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed-this is where the sauce really comes alive with flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened; it should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Return Salmon to the Sauce and Simmer
Carefully nestle the salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them right on top of that luscious sauce. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the salmon to soak up those incredible flavors. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and an extra pinch of lemon zest for brightness right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Perfect Sear: Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding salmon to get that gorgeous crispy crust I love.
- Sauce Consistency: Don t rush whisking in the liquids-adding them slowly helps avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Don t Overcook Salmon: Simmer gently in the sauce and remove from heat as soon as it flakes easily to keep it tender.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Prep: Drain tomatoes well and chop roughly so each bite has a balanced texture and flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and an extra dusting of lemon zest. The basil adds a lovely fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness, and that lemon zest really awakens your taste buds. Sometimes I throw on a little cracked black pepper for a subtle bite.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are garlic butter pasta or creamy mashed potatoes-both soak up the sauce beautifully. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also add a nice crunch and freshness, balancing the creamy richness. You really can t go wrong with simple steamed rice either to keep the spotlight on the salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve plated the salmon over a bed of herbed risotto with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze around the plate. Another fun idea is serving this in individual oven-safe ramekins with pasta beneath and the salmon nestled inside, then broiling for a minute to get a golden top. It s a beautiful wow-factor presentation that gets guests talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. What I ve learned is to keep the salmon separate from the sauce if you want to keep the texture perfect, but storing together works if you plan to reheat gently and eat soon.
Freezing
I have frozen the sauce successfully on its own – just cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I don t recommend freezing the cooked salmon because the texture can suffer, but fresh salmon filets can be frozen before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat so the sauce doesn t break and the salmon stays tender. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Avoid microwave reheating if you can-it tends to dry out the salmon.
FAQs
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Can I use salmon with the skin on for this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Using skin-on salmon adds a delicious crispy texture when seared properly. Just make sure to cook the salmon skin-side down first to get it nice and crispy. If you prefer, you can always remove the skin before serving.
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What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don t have any on hand?
Chopped fresh tomatoes work as a good substitute, especially if they’re slightly cooked to soften. Roasted red peppers or even a handful of finely chopped olives can add a similar punch of flavor and texture, though it will vary slightly from the original taste.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. The sauce won t taste exactly the same but will still be creamy and satisfying.
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How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but is still moist. After searing, letting it simmer gently in the sauce for about 10 minutes often does the trick. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe has won a permanent spot in my weekly meal rotation-and I m confident you ll feel the same after your first bite. It s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests without stress. Trust me, once you make this, you ll find yourself asking, Why didn t I marry this recipe sooner? Happy cooking, and don t forget to garnish generously!
PrintMarry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Salmon is a rich and creamy skillet-cooked dish featuring perfectly seared salmon filets topped with a luscious sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasonings, and a hint of lemon zest. This recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver an elegant, comforting meal perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil evenly on each salmon filet, then season both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the surface is golden brown and crispy. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until salmon is cooked through to the center. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to form a paste with the butter and garlic.
- Whisk in the liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Simmer and thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Return the salmon: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them on top of the sauce.
- Simmer and garnish: Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes so the salmon absorbs some sauce flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salmon warm over cooked pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Italian seasoning according to taste preferences.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, chopped fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- For a different flavor, substitute parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
- This recipe makes a great make-ahead meal; prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce prior to adding and cooking the salmon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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