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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for several minutes to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Return the salmon: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them on top of the creamy sauce.
- 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.
- 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
