Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe because it never fails to impress both my family and guests. The creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes feels indulgent without being too heavy, and the perfectly seared salmon melts in your mouth every time. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight treat or date night at home.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how the blend of Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and sun-dried tomatoes brought a bright, savory depth to the salmon. You’ll find that making the sauce right in the same skillet keeps all those delicious flavors concentrated and easy to manage, so there’s minimal clean-up. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish is worth trying – I promise it’ll become a staple in your rotation too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh items that come together to create a luscious, flavorful dish. When shopping, look for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh parmesan for the best taste.

• Salmon filets: I always choose skinless fillets for quick and even cooking.
• Olive oil: Dividing the oil helps with crisping the salmon and cooking the sauce.
• Dried Italian seasoning: This blend adds a classic herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Kosher salt: Always go for kosher salt for seasoning because it distributes evenly.
• Cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a big difference here.
• Butter: Adds richness when making the sauce base.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh is best for that punch of flavor in the sauce.
• Flour: Creates the roux to thicken the sauce nicely.
• Chicken broth: Provides savory depth without overpowering the creaminess.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan, grated: Use a fresh block of parmesan for best melt and flavor.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and chopped, they add sweet and tangy contrasts.
• Lemon zest: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
• Fresh basil: A fresh garnish to finish the dish with herbal notes.

Variations

I love customizing this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe depending on my mood or what I have at hand. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own – that’s part of the fun in the kitchen!

• Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
• Dairy-free version: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and the parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful.
• Use fresh tomatoes: When sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, diced fresh tomatoes work, but add them later in the cooking to retain their texture.
• Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a different herbal profile that keeps the recipe exciting.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Start by brushing each salmon filet with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and give you a nice sear. Then sprinkle on the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper evenly. I like to do this step ahead of time to let the flavors soak in while prepping the rest of your ingredients—it really makes a difference in taste.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon filets and cook them for about 3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Lower the heat slightly and let them cook through—salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown or burn. Add the flour and stir constantly to make a smooth paste—this is your roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully. It’s key to cook the flour enough to remove that raw taste, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Whisk in Creamy Liquids and Cheese

Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. Once smooth, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. You’ll notice it starting to thicken and smell irresistible here—this creamy base is what really makes this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe stand out.

Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the additional teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and lemon zest. These ingredients add that sweet, tangy pop and freshness to balance the richness. Taste the sauce and season with more salt or pepper as needed—you want that perfect harmony of flavors here.

Step 6: Simmer and Combine Salmon with Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes on medium heat to thicken slightly. Then carefully nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Turn the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the salmon absorbs some of the sauce flavors and stays tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves and a bit more lemon zest over the top to add a bright, herbal note. I like to serve this dish warm over a bed of pasta or fluffy rice—both soak up that amazing parmesan cream sauce perfectly.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh basil because it adds a lovely herbaceous scent and flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A little extra lemon zest on top brightens everything up visually and on the palate. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts if you want to add a slight crunch and another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this salmon over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta like fettuccine to catch every drip of that parmesan cream sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans make a fresh, crisp side that balances the creamy texture perfectly. For a lighter option, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like plating the salmon on a long rectangular dish with a delicate drizzle of the sauce artfully swirled around. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality look. You can also serve the salmon on individual plates atop a nest of zucchini noodles for a low-carb, elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and make sure the sauce covers it well to keep it moist. Leftovers usually stay good for 2 to 3 days. Just be mindful that the salmon texture will be slightly firmer after refrigeration but still delicious when reheated gently.

Freezing

While I generally don’t recommend freezing cream-based salmon dishes, you can freeze the sauce separately without the salmon for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce and gently reheat, then add freshly cooked salmon to maintain best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring gently to keep the sauce from breaking. I like covering the dish while reheating to lock in moisture and prevent the salmon from becoming dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Marry Me Salmon Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner lineup. It’s one of those dishes that feels decadent yet manageable, perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress without stress. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—there’s something so satisfying about that creamy, flavorful sauce pooling around the tender salmon. Plus, it’s a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something memorable, just like good home cooking should.

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