Name: Marry Me Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¾ tsp red pepper flakes; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup unsalted chicken stock; ½ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 5 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, for garnish

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I’m sharing my version of the generously creamy and flavorful Marry Me Salmon—a recipe so rich and luscious, it feels like a special occasion dinner served in under 40 minutes. It blends flaky salmon fillets with a silky sun-dried tomato and cream sauce; it feels like dining at a fancy restaurant, but I’ve simplified it for easy home cooking.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this because it’s both restaurant-worthy and kitchen-friendly:

Perfect for dinner parties—saucy, creamy, and bursting with herbs, it always impresses.
Ideal for date nights—elegant yet effortless, it feels like serving something luxurious without the stress.
Tastes fancy, cooks easy—I think it rivals what you’d pay big money for at a restaurant, yet it’s affordable and simple enough for beginners.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme
¾ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup chicken stock (unsalted)
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
5 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

directions

In a small bowl, mix dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Use half of this seasoning mix to rub both sides of the salmon fillets.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon flesh-side down and sear for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining seasoning mix until combined.
Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook for 3–5 minutes depending on desired doneness.
Serve topped with fresh basil.

Servings and timing

Yield: 3–4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Dairy-free: I use vegan whipping cream and plant-based Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Pescatarian: I replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and ensure Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
Adjust heat: I reduce red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add extra for a spicier kick.

storage/reheating

I prefer enjoying this dish fresh, but leftovers store well:

Keep salmon and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the sauce first, then add salmon just long enough to heat through to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Salmon?

It’s a salmon version of the popular “Marry Me” dish, featuring a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

I sometimes swap in roasted red peppers or oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for a milder flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes, but I easily adjust the amount to taste.

What sides go well with Marry Me Salmon?

I love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

I adore making Marry Me Salmon when I want a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. The creamy, herby sauce and tender salmon make it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or just when I want to treat myself.