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
Scale
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.
