Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender salmon fillets simmered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. Inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken,” this version uses salmon for a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly. It’s perfect for date nights, special dinners, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon filletsolive oilgarlic clovesheavy creamchicken or vegetable brothParmesan cheesesun-dried tomatoes (in oil)Italian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakesfresh basil or parsley (for garnish)salt and pepper
directions
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the salmon, skin-side down first, for about 4 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Swap salmon with trout or cod for a different take.
Include capers or olives for a briny kick.
Top with fresh lemon zest for added brightness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking the salmon.Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much when reheating.

FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me” Salmon?
The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal—just like the original “Marry Me Chicken.”
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Is the sauce spicy?
It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
What’s the best pan to use?
A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works best to get a good sear on the salmon.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance and reheat gently before adding the salmon.
Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add the most flavor, but dry ones can be rehydrated and used as well.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add it to the sauce.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it keto-friendly.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine before the cream adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is the perfect blend of indulgent and easy, with bold flavors that come together in just half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish delivers romance and richness in every bite. Once you try it, it may just become your go-to salmon recipe.
PrintMarry Me Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marry Me Salmon is a creamy, dreamy salmon dish that’s so rich and flavorful, it just might earn you a proposal! Tender, flaky salmon is seared and simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for date night.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
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3/4 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Season and sear the salmon:
Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using), and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. -
Make the sauce:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. -
Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened. -
Combine and serve:
Return the salmon to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
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Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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