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

If you have been on the hunt for a dish that captures romance on a plate, look no further than the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. This stunning salmon entree dazzles with tender, flaky fillets kissed by seared edges, all bathed in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce bursting with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and effortless, making it an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting this vibrant, flavorful dish. From the rich, buttery salmon filets to the aromatic Italian seasoning, every component brings harmony and depth while keeping things simple enough to enjoy the cooking process.

• 4 salmon filets, skinless: Opt for fresh, high-quality fillets for the best texture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing the salmon and adding richness to the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: Brings herby, savory complexity to both the salmon and sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy sauce.
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Helps to thicken the sauce into a luscious texture.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Provides depth and moisture to the sauce.
• 3/4 cup heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is decadently creamy and smooth.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated: Adds sharp, nutty undertones.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Offers a burst of tangy, sweet flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Incorporated again to reinforce a cohesive herbal bouquet.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Gives a bright, refreshing lift.
• Fresh basil, for garnish: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish that complements the richness beautifully.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by brushing each salmon filet evenly with olive oil to keep the fish moist during cooking. Then, sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning forms a flavorful crust once seared, locking in the juiciness of the salmon.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon filets in the hot oil and cook for about three minutes on each side, until their surfaces are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the salmon is just cooked through in the center. Once done, remove the filets carefully and set them aside to rest.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter until foamy. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the aroma wakes up your senses. Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, combining it with the butter and garlic to create a smooth paste — this is the foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in the Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously to ensure the sauce is smooth and fully blended. The Parmesan melts and thickens the sauce, making it rich and velvety with every stir.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. These ingredients take the sauce from creamy to complex, layering sweetness, tang, and herbaceous notes. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfect the balance.

Step 6: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken to a luxurious consistency. This also gives time for all the flavors to meld together, creating a sauce that tastes like a warm hug in every bite.

Step 7: Return the Salmon

Place the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. The fish will soak up the creamy flavors as it rests in the pan, making every mouthful deeply satisfying.

Step 8: Simmer and Garnish

Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the salmon to simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil leaves and, if you like, an extra pinch of lemon zest for a zesty finish that brightens up the entire dish.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil is ideal, adding a lovely fragrance and vibrant green color that contrasts perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. For an extra touch, a little lemon zest or a drizzle of good quality olive oil on top brings brightness and depth.

Side Dishes

This salmon shines when paired with simple sides that can soak up the luscious sauce. Think buttery garlic mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provide a welcome crisp texture to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon over a nest of angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and fresh herbs. You can also plate it alongside a vibrant salad with citrus segments and toasted nuts to add crunch and freshness. Using a shallow bowl or wide rimmed plate allows the sauce to stay beautifully pooled around the salmon, enticing everyone to dive right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days. Try to keep the salmon and sauce together so the flavors continue to marry.

Freezing

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce separately to preserve texture. Wrap the salmon tightly and store the sauce in a freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon. Warm the sauce separately and then combine them briefly just before serving. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that creamy sauce smooth and the salmon flaky.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and texture, this sauce pairs nicely with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Just adjust cooking times to suit the fish thickness.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

They add a wonderful tangy sweetness that elevates the sauce, but if you don’t have them on hand, roasted red peppers can be a good substitute. Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How long can I simmer the salmon in the sauce?

About 10 minutes is perfect to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the salmon. Longer simmering risks drying out the fish, so keep a close eye during this step.

Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?

Absolutely! The Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s sure to wow your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite for romantic dinners and special celebrations. Its elegant flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant colors make it a dish worth sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved and why it just might inspire you to make it a forever classic in your kitchen.

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

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4.1 from 60 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Marry Me Salmon recipe features tender salmon filets cooked to perfection and nestled in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings. The dish is finished with fresh basil and lemon zest for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant, comforting meal ideal for weekday dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Salmon

• 4 salmon filets, skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon: Brush olive oil evenly on each salmon filet. Season both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
2. Sear the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown and crispy surface. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the salmon is cooked through to the center. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour while stirring continuously, forming a roux (a paste) with the butter and garlic to thicken the sauce.
4. Whisk in the liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
5. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes to thicken to a creamy consistency.
7. Return the salmon: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them on top of the creamy sauce.
8. Simmer and garnish: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 10 minutes so the salmon absorbs some of the sauce flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves and additional lemon zest on top for brightness.
9. Serve: Serve the salmon warm over cooked pasta, rice, or your preferred side to soak up the delicious creamy Parmesan sauce.

Notes

• Use skinless salmon filets for ease of cooking and serving.
• Drain sun-dried tomatoes well to avoid excess oiliness in the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a small extra amount of flour mixed with butter.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy sauce.
• Fresh basil garnish adds a fresh herbal note, but can be substituted with parsley if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American