Marry Me Salmon: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
Romantic meals don’t always need to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, a dish is so irresistible that it earns a name suggesting love at first bite. Marry Me Salmon is one of those recipes. With tender, flaky salmon fillets simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a dinner that feels gourmet yet can be made in under 30 minutes. The flavors are bold and comforting, blending garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs into a luscious sauce that perfectly complements salmon’s natural richness.
Salmon is often celebrated as one of the healthiest proteins to include in your diet, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. When paired with a creamy sauce that feels indulgent but remains balanced with wholesome ingredients, it becomes a meal fit for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Whether you’re cooking to impress your partner, feeding the family, or just treating yourself, Marry Me Salmon strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients along with approximate calorie counts per portion:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets (skinless) | 4 fillets (6 oz each) | 960 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 cloves | 12 |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil) | ½ cup (85 g) | 200 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | 15 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup (50 g) | 215 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon | 2 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Fresh basil (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons | 1 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon – Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Salmon – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce – Reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the Salmon – Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until salmon is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Try pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a sharper, saltier bite.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, shrimp, or cod if salmon isn’t available.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for more depth and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier, bold kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 fillet with sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~610 |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 46 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over angel hair pasta, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for extra comfort.
- Add a side of steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh green salad to lighten up the richness.
- For a date-night touch, serve with a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.
Marry Me Salmon: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes610
kcalIngredients
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skinless) – 960 calories
2 tablespoons olive oil – 240 calories
3 garlic cloves, minced – 12 calories
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped – 200 calories
1 cup heavy cream – 800 calories
½ cup chicken broth – 15 calories
½ cup grated parmesan cheese – 215 calories
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – 5 calories
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – 2 calories
Salt and black pepper – to taste
2 tablespoons fresh basil (garnish) – 1 calorie
Directions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce slightly thickens.
- Return salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 3–5 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon—remove it from the skillet once it flakes easily with a fork.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Marry Me Salmon?
The name comes from the idea that the dish is so flavorful and irresistible, it could win someone’s heart instantly—just like the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe.
2. Can I make Marry Me Salmon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the salmon fresh to maintain its flaky texture.
3. What type of salmon works best for this recipe?
Skinless salmon fillets work best, especially Atlantic or wild-caught varieties. Thicker cuts hold up well in the creamy sauce.
4. Can I make Marry Me Salmon without heavy cream?
Absolutely. You can substitute with half-and-half, coconut cream, or even a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a lighter version.
5. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the salmon from drying out.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is more than just a recipe—it’s a dish that feels indulgent, romantic, and absolutely delicious while remaining simple enough for everyday cooking. The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan elevates the naturally rich salmon into something unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for someone special or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe has all the qualities of a memorable meal: flavor, comfort, and a touch of elegance.
