Name: Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium salmon fillets, skinless; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup white onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp chili flakes; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly blends creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that feels gourmet but comes together in a snap, this Marry Me Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender salmon fillets bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and basil will have you swooning bite after bite — seriously, it’s the kind of meal that might just inspire a proposal!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor Combination: This salmon recipe perfectly balances creaminess, zest, and subtle heat for a mouthwatering experience.
Simple Yet Elegant: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it feels fancy without any fuss.
Quick Weeknight Savior: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: It pairs beautifully with a range of sides, from pasta to mashed potatoes, making it adaptable for any occasion.

The image shows a white pan with five pieces of golden brown cooked salmon fillets evenly placed side by side. Each fillet is topped with a thick layer of creamy white sauce with small red bits mixed in, and sprinkled with black pepper. Bright green basil leaves are scattered on top of the sauce and around the pan for decoration. The sauce pools around the salmon, showing a smooth and rich texture. A shiny silver spoon rests at the bottom of the pan, partially covered in sauce, ready to serve. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Salmon, creamy Parmesan salmon, easy salmon dinner, quick weeknight salmon recipe, gourmet salmon with sun-dried tomatoes

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Salmon Recipe plays an essential role, creating layers of flavor and texture. The creamy Parmesan sauce brings rich indulgence, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy pop. Simple seasonings enhance the salmon’s natural taste, making every element shine.

Flat lay of four fresh, pink salmon fillets skinless and glistening, a small mound of bright red chopped sun-dried tomatoes, scattered thin slices of fresh green basil leaves, a pile of finely diced white onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of golden paprika powder, a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of red chili flakes, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Salmon, creamy Parmesan salmon, easy salmon dinner, quick weeknight salmon recipe, gourmet salmon with sun-dried tomatoes

Salmon fillets: Use skinless for easy cooking, but skin-on works if you enjoy crispy edges—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Paprika and garlic powder: These seasonings add subtle smoky warmth and depth without overpowering the salmon.
Chicken broth: Adds savory richness to the sauce; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly sauce base.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: These create a luxuriously creamy and cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They contribute a burst of bright, sweet tanginess—choose ones packed in oil for extra flavor boost.
Fresh basil: Brings herbal freshness that elevates the entire dish just before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry—this helps get that beautiful sear. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Then, gently remove the fillets and set them aside; the real magic is about to happen in the same pan!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in diced onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will start smelling divine right here. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a light simmer before adding the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan, and chili flakes. Give it a good stir and let it thicken for a couple of minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t stick.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Reheat

Chop those sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into your luscious sauce, letting them simmer for about one minute to soften and release their vibrant flavor. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes—this step warms the salmon through and infuses it beautifully with the sauce’s rich flavors.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon Recipe

A black pan contains four pieces of cooked salmon with a crispy, golden-brown top layer. Each salmon piece is topped with a creamy white sauce mixed with small bits of red and brown, and garnished with fresh green basil leaves. The creamy sauce spreads slightly around the salmon, filling the bottom of the pan. Scattered around the pan on a white marbled surface are a few more basil leaves, some black pepper grains, and a white plate with lemon wedges in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Marry Me Salmon, creamy Parmesan salmon, easy salmon dinner, quick weeknight salmon recipe, gourmet salmon with sun-dried tomatoes

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch here, adding a pop of color and a fragrant, peppery brightness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan if you adore cheesy richness. A few cracked black peppercorns on top give a nice visual appeal and a gentle spice.

Side Dishes

This dish calls for sides that soak up its velvety sauce beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, or fluffy rice all pair brilliantly. For a lighter option, try sautéed green beans or a crisp, simple salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, plate each salmon fillet atop a bed of herb-infused rice, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish the plate with a few sun-dried tomato strips and a sprig of basil. Alternatively, serve the salmon alongside colorful roasted vegetables arranged artfully for a restaurant-quality presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover salmon and sauce, then transfer to an airtight container before storing in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked salmon with the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly affected, but the flavors remain quite delicious after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. To keep the sauce creamy and fluid, add a splash of cream or water as needed while warming. Avoid overheating to keep the salmon tender and moist.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, sear it skin-side down first to get that crispy texture, then flip carefully to cook through. The cooking time might increase slightly, but the sauce base remains the same and just as delicious.
Is the sauce gluten-free?

Yes! The sauce is naturally gluten-free as it relies on chicken broth, cream, cheese, and seasonings. Just ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are labeled gluten-free if you need to be cautious.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce, but it won’t be quite as rich or thick. A small adjustment to reduce cooking time or gently add a thickener like cornstarch might help maintain the right texture.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t on hand, chopped roasted red peppers or even finely chopped fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be a little different but still tasty and colorful.

Final Thoughts

I promise this Marry Me Salmon Recipe will become your go-to when you want to impress without the stress. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor that feel like a hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch how quickly it wins a special place at your dinner table—and maybe even in someone’s heart!

Marry Me Salmon Recipe