If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, perfectly seared salmon nestled in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce studded with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and kissed with a hint of lemon zest and Italian herbs. This recipe effortlessly balances rich flavors with light, fresh accents, making it an impressive yet surprisingly simple meal that’s sure to inspire declarations of love at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding richness, texture, or a pop of color, making the dish remarkably balanced and appetizing.
- 4 salmon filets, skinless: Choose fresh, firm filets for a tender, flaky result that holds up well in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For searing the salmon to a golden crisp and building flavor in the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil that enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds just a bit of spice and depth.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory warmth and fragrance.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation without overpowering the dish.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Brings luxurious creaminess to the sauce that’s utterly indulgent.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated: The star cheese that melts into the sauce, enriching it with nutty, savory notes.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Offers tangy, slightly chewy bursts of intense tomato flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A second layer of herbal brightness within the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy spark that lifts the richness.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: The final flourish that introduces a fragrant, leafy brightness.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by brushing each salmon filet evenly with olive oil. This little step ensures a delightful sear. Then, season generously on both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. This seasoning mix is simple but packs a big punch, infusing the salmon with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon filets. Sear them for about 3 minutes per side until you get a gorgeous golden crust. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook just until the salmon is cooked through. The salmon should be tender and moist, never overcooked. Then remove the filets and set them aside to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Keep the skillet on medium-high and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, awakening the kitchen with its aroma. Next, sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste, or roux, with the butter and garlic; this will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Whisk in the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to blend everything seamlessly. This process ensures a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the salmon perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with the extra teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and lemon zest. These final touches brighten the sauce, balancing its luscious creaminess with zingy tomato flavor and herbal freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency—just the right amount to cling to every bite of salmon later on.
Step 7: Return the Salmon
Nestle the salmon filets back carefully into the skillet, letting them rest on the sauce like a crown jewel. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the salmon to simmer for about 10 minutes, absorbing the rich flavors and marrying everything beautifully.
Step 8: Simmer and Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves over the top along with an extra pinch of lemon zest. This final burst of fragrance and color is the perfect finishing touch to this dreamy dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds a pop of green and a lovely aroma. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their salmon, enhancing that citrus brightness even more.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with cooked pasta, rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that decadent sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach also brings a nice fresh crunch and vibrant color to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the salmon atop a bed of pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs, then drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with basil. Alternatively, serve each filet on a small stack of polenta rounds or alongside quinoa for a more textured, wholesome spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld more over time, but the salmon is best when enjoyed relatively fresh.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked salmon with sauce, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or the salmon from drying out. You can add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated flavor or texture as sun-dried ones, but diced cherry tomatoes can work in a pinch, offering a lighter, juicier contrast.
Is it necessary to remove the skin from the salmon?
Skinless filets allow the sauce to coat the salmon evenly and avoid chewy bits. However, if you prefer skin-on, crisp it separately and serve alongside.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You could substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but it will alter the flavor profile. The sauce’s creamy richness is a key feature of this dish.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Salmon?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity complements the creamy sauce and the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Can I cook this recipe in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and sear the salmon earlier in the day, then gently reheat together before serving. Just be sure to finish with fresh basil and lemon zest to keep the flavors vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe — it’s a perfect blend of effortless elegance and homestyle comfort. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night when you want to treat yourself, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and memorable moments. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your absolute favorites!
Print
Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Salmon recipe features tender, pan-seared salmon filets served in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning, perfectly complements the rich salmon, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 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
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, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil evenly on each salmon filet, then season both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 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 cook until 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 minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Form the roux: Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and garlic, stirring continuously to form a paste. This will help thicken the sauce evenly.
- Whisk in the liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined, creating a rich creamy texture.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Simmer and thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Return the salmon: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them atop the sauce to absorb the flavors.
- Simmer and garnish: Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes so the salmon absorbs some sauce flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salmon warm over cooked pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon filets for a tender, easy-to-eat dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce well.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference; more lemon zest can brighten the dish further.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce fully.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and parmesan with suitable alternatives though it will change the flavor profile.
