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This image shows a beautifully plated Marry Me Salmon with a golden-browned exterior, coated in a rich, creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce. Fresh basil leaves are sprinkled on top, and half-cut lemons are placed on the side for a vibrant, citrusy contrast.

Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Marry Me Salmon is a rich, creamy dish featuring crispy, pan-seared salmon smothered in a velvety Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of lemon zest, this dish delivers an irresistible balance of savory, tangy, and buttery flavors—perfect over pasta or rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 647 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Basting brush
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • fresh basil, for garnish
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup parmesan, grated
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Salmon

  • 1 tbp olive oil
  • 4 salmon filets, skinless
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Brush olive oil over the salmon filets, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper.
    preparing-the-fresh-salmon-filets-for-cooking-on-a-wooden-board
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the salmon filets, cooking until golden and crisp for about three minutes per side.
    perfectly-pan-seared-salmon-with-a-golden-crisp-exterior-in-a-skillet
  • Lower the heat and allow the salmon to cook through before setting it aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    melting-butter-and-gently-sauteing-fresh-garlic-in-a-skillet
  • Stir in flour to form a paste, then whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
    making-the-creamy-white-sauce-by-stirring-ingredients-in-a-skillet
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary.
    adding-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-seasoning-to-the-creamy-sauce
  • Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then return the salmon filets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
    simmering-the-salmon-in-the-flavorful-sauce-for-maximum-taste
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for ten minutes.
    garnishing-the-salmon-with-fresh-basil-and-lemon-zest-for-a-bright-finish
  • Garnish with fresh basil and extra lemon zest if desired, then serve warm over pasta or rice.
    serving-marry-me-salmon-over-a-bed-of-rice-or-pasta-for-a-complete-meal

Notes

  • Crispy Skin Tip: If using skin-on salmon, pat it dry before cooking to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Alternative Proteins: This sauce pairs well with chicken or shrimp for a versatile dish.
  • Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Extra Depth of Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.