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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency that will coat the salmon beautifully.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
