If you have ever wished for a dish that instantly wows your guests and feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, then the Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This incredible recipe combines tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets with a luscious sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it the ideal centerpiece for a romantic dinner or an elegant weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, it will become a firm favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things deliciously simple, focusing on fresh and pantry staples that each add their own magic to the dish. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to balance richness, acidity, and texture, ensuring your salmon shines beautifully.
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity base for searing salmon to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce and helps achieve that silky mouthfeel.
- 3 garlic cloves minced: Brings a mellow aromatic depth that you’ll love.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): Offers a concentrated sweetness and tang that elevate the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the luxurious creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle heat kick, but feel free to skip if you prefer mild flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for highlighting all the wonderful flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and depth.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds savory balance without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish): Infuses a fresh herbal fragrance that lifts the entire dish.
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 seasoning both sides of your salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the salmon fillets carefully and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are just about cooked through. This searing locks in juices and packs a ton of flavor. Then, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, leaving all those delicious browned bits in the pan.
Step 2: Create the Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Base
Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for just 30 seconds so it becomes fragrant without burning. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their intense flavor to mellow and blend beautifully with the garlic base.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the pan’s bottom—this is pure flavor gold. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if using, Italian seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and transforms into a dreamy, silky consistency.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Salmon in the Sauce
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each piece. Turn the heat down to low and let everything simmer together gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the salmon to finish cooking through and absorb those vibrant flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with the freshly chopped basil to add that wonderful herbal kick.
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of fresh basil leaves or even thinly sliced green onions can brighten the dish with fresh, herbal notes and a pop of color. A wedge of lemon on the side also allows guests to add a spritz of zest for a fresh finish. These little touches elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce, fluffy jasmine rice that adds a fragrant base, or al dente pasta to make the meal feel indulgent and complete. For a lighter option, try roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a touch of crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of wilted spinach or arugula, then drizzle the creamy sauce generously on top. Garnish with the fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan for that restaurant-quality finish. Plating it neatly with attention to contrasts in color and texture really makes this dish shine when entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce and salmon flavors deepen overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
While salmon can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it before cooking for optimal texture. If you do plan ahead, freeze the raw salmon fillets separately. The sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen in small portions for convenience, then thawed and reheated gently.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, place the salmon and sauce in a skillet over low heat, covering it to keep the moisture in. Warm gently until heated through to avoid drying out the fish or curdling the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible but less ideal, as it may alter the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before searing. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful crust.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, half-and-half works as a substitute, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream, keeping in mind it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Is sun-dried tomato oil necessary?
Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil adds richness and flavor, but if you only have dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate before chopping.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes is the easiest way to introduce some heat, but you could also add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. The internal temperature should be about 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer for any home cook craving a dish that feels special without being complicated. The flavors are elegantly bold, the textures perfectly balanced, and every step brings you closer to a dinner that will have everyone swooning. Give yourself the joy of making this recipe soon—you’ll love the way it tastes almost as much as the compliments you’ll get.
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Marry 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
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Marry Me Salmon Recipe features tender salmon fillets cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. The sauce is rich and flavorful, combining garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice for a perfectly balanced dish that’s elegant yet easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add the salmon fillets and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for one minute to release their flavor.
- Deglaze and Add Cream: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low and let the salmon simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until fully cooked and flaky inside.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salmon and sauce. Serve immediately, pairing it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta as desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though this will result in a thinner sauce.
- You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets according to your preference.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the dish.
- Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also a vibrant color contrast for presentation.
