Description
Marry Me Salmon is a creamy, flavorful skillet salmon recipe perfect for a romantic dinner or an easy weeknight meal. Featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and topped with a luscious sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of chili flakes, this dish combines American and Italian-inspired flavors for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving, until golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chili flakes (if using), chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the sauce and combine: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the salmon and sauce to serving plates. This dish is excellent served hot alongside mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- For easier searing, use skinless salmon fillets or remove skin before cooking.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a pescatarian-friendly version.
- Garnish with extra chopped fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
