Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

If you are looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen, the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish marries tender, perfectly seared salmon with a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with savory parmesan and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The balance of flavors and textures makes every bite unforgettable, promising to become one of your go-to recipes for a special dinner or an indulgent everyday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe is essential, working together harmoniously to create a rich and vibrant dish. From fresh herbs to creamy parmesan, these components build layers of flavor and that gorgeous sauce texture we all crave.

• 4 salmon filets, skinless: The star of the dish, providing tender, flaky, and protein-packed goodness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing to get that beautiful golden crust and enrich flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: Adds herby, aromatic notes that complement the salmon wonderfully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Offers a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
• 3 tablespoons butter: For that creamy, silky base to help build the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and warmth.
• 3 tablespoons flour: The secret to achieving that perfect thickness and body in the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Brings a mild savory richness to the sauce’s foundation.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream: Adds the luxurious silky texture everyone loves in a parmesan sauce.
• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated: Sharp, nutty, and essential for authentic flavor and savory punch.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Provides chewy bursts of sweetness and acidity, brightening the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Rounds out the flavor more in the sauce for continuity.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds fresh citrus brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds color and a lovely herbaceous finish to the presentation.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Begin by brushing each salmon filet evenly with olive oil. This not only helps achieve that irresistible golden crust but also keeps the fish moist. Season both sides liberally with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper for a balanced flavor base that will shine through after cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon filets carefully and cook about three minutes per side until the outsides are crispy and have a gorgeous golden brown color. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook a bit longer until the salmon is just cooked through to the center. Then, set the filets aside—this step locks in juicy tenderness.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter until it starts to foam. Add the minced garlic and sauté quickly, just until fragrant. Immediately sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, stirring without pause so it forms a smooth paste with the butter and garlic—this will give your sauce that perfect creamy thickness.

Step 4: Whisk in the Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously. This steady stirring helps prevent lumps, resulting in a silky, smooth sauce that melds beautifully with the salmon.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest into the sauce. These brighten and deepen the flavor, with the sun-dried tomatoes adding a juicy and slightly tangy contrast. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, ensuring every bite sings.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes. This allows it to thicken slowly, enriching the flavor without burning or breaking the creaminess that makes this dish so indulgent.

Step 7: Return the Salmon

Carefully place the salmon filets back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. This helps the fish soak up those delicious flavors as it reheats gently.

Step 8: Simmer and Garnish

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes so the sauce and salmon meld beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves and an extra pinch of lemon zest over the top. The fresh herbs add an irresistible aroma and vibrant green color that makes this dish as pretty as it is tasty.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are must-haves here; they bring an herbal brightness that perfectly balances the creaminess. A bit of extra lemon zest or even a few sun-dried tomato slivers can add an enticing finishing touch both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides like garlic butter pasta, fluffy rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes. These will soak up every bit of the dreamy parmesan sauce, making each bite burst with flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the salmon on a crisp bed of baby spinach or arugula, letting the warm sauce wilt the greens slightly. Alternatively, serve it atop roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-packed plate that feels gourmet but is easy to assemble.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon will stay moist, and the sauce remains flavorful after gentle reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the salmon and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce to prevent separation and warming the salmon slowly so it stays tender and flaky. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

Absolutely! If your salmon has skin, just sear it skin side down first for a crispier texture. You can remove the skin after cooking if you prefer.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, chopped roasted red peppers can be a tasty substitute, adding a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce well.

Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free parmesan-style cheese. The sauce texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque center. Cooking on medium-low after searing helps achieve a tender interior without drying out.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe enough—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels fancy yet comes together in no time. Once you taste that creamy, tangy sauce paired with flaky salmon, you’ll understand why this recipe often sparks raving compliments and repeat requests. Give it a go and watch how effortlessly it elevates your dinner table!

Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 87 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Marry Me Salmon recipe features tender, seared salmon filets topped with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner, this dish combines the richness of a garlic Parmesan cream sauce with bright notes of lemon zest and fresh basil for a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

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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

Creamy Parmesan 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 cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil evenly over each salmon filet, then season both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to ensure the fish is perfectly flavored before cooking.
2. Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon filets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the surface is golden brown and crispy. Then reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the salmon is cooked through to the center. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to build the sauce’s aromatic base.
4. Add flour to create a roux: Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture, stirring continuously to form a paste. This will thicken the sauce evenly.
5. Whisk in liquids: Slowly add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese while whisking to form a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps.
6. Add remaining flavor ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed for a balanced flavor.
7. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency that will coat the salmon beautifully.
8. Return the salmon to the skillet: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back on top of the sauce, allowing the salmon to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.
9. Simmer and garnish: Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest if desired for a fresh finish.
10. Serve: Plate the salmon warm, spooning extra creamy sauce over the top. Serve alongside cooked pasta, rice, or a preferred side dish to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.

Notes

• Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor; be sure to drain them well before adding to the sauce.
• Use skinless salmon filets for easier cooking and serving.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding a splash more chicken broth if it gets too thick.
• Fresh basil adds a nice herbal brightness—feel free to substitute with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve immediately after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
• This dish pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American