Marry Me Salmon

If there’s one dish guaranteed to impress anyone at your table, it’s this Marry Me Salmon! This recipe takes perfectly flaky salmon fillets and bathes them in a rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs.

The flavors are absolutely dreamy—savory, tangy, a touch of heat, and so luxurious you’ll want to grab some crusty bread and soak up every drop. Plus, it comes together in one pan in just over 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver and the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a cozy family dinner, or just want to treat yourself, this Marry Me Salmon is a must-try. Trust me—it’s love at first bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 35 minutes, using one skillet for easy cleanup
• Perfectly flaky, juicy salmon with a rich, irresistible sauce
• Super impressive but requires zero chef skills
• Customizable to suit low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets

Key Ingredients for Marry Me Salmon

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Salmon Fillets

Salmon is the heart of this recipe, bringing rich flavor and healthy omega-3s. Use center-cut fillets for the most even cooking. Look for skinless, or simply remove the skin before cooking—either fresh or thawed from frozen works beautifully. If you can, opt for wild-caught salmon for a more robust flavor, but farm-raised will also yield a tender result.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These little gems add a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Pat them dry before chopping, and don’t hesitate to use the leftover tomato oil for sautéing—it infuses the sauce with even more depth.

Heavy Cream

Cream gives the sauce its signature silkiness and richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free spin, though this will slightly change the flavor.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding salty, nutty depth. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch but might not melt as effortlessly. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan-style crumble can work.

Garlic

Fresh garlic packs a warm, savory punch that ties the sauce together—don’t skip it! For convenience, you can use jarred minced garlic, but fresh cloves deliver the best flavor. Add more or less to taste.

Instructions for Marry Me Salmon

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sear the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside—they'll finish cooking in the sauce.

Sauté the Aromatics

Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned salmon bits from the bottom. Stir in Italian herbs and crushed red pepper if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Parmesan and Season

Sprinkle in the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings—add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Return Salmon & Finish Cooking

Nestle the salmon fillets—along with any juices—back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness (internal temp should reach 125-130°F for medium).

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately, spooning plenty of sauce over each fillet.

Recipe Variations

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. The sauce will take on a slightly tropical undertone but still be luscious and satisfying.

Spice It Up

If you love heat, add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper or diced Calabrian chiles to the sauce. You can also top with a drizzle of chili oil just before serving for an extra kick.

Try a Different Protein

No salmon? No problem! Try this creamy sauce with pan-seared chicken breasts, shrimp, or cod fillets. Cooking times may adjust, but the sauce works beautifully with any of these.

Add More Veggies

Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale right before returning the salmon to the skillet. The greens will wilt into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Friendly

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and parmesan labels to be sure if cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Serving Suggestions

To make this meal feel extra special, serve Marry Me Salmon over al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the glorious sauce. A side of steamed asparagus or crisp green beans adds freshness and color. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan for restaurant-quality flair.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the salmon from drying out. Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Salmon (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Marry Me Salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and searing to avoid excess moisture.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can substitute with half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free), or even a mixture of Greek yogurt thinned with milk for a lighter option. The sauce may be slightly less thick.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: For best texture, cook the salmon just before serving. You can make the sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently, then add and simmer the salmon fillets when ready to eat.

This Marry Me Salmon is pure weeknight magic—easy, elegant, and ridiculously tasty. I hope it wins a permanent spot in your dinner rotation! Don’t forget to comment below and share your results, or leave a rating if you loved it. Happy cooking!