Fall in love with Marry Me Salmon, flaky salmon filets seared then smothered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. This delicious dinner combines the richness of parmesan and cream cheese with the freshness of spinach and herbs, making it perfect for pairing with your favorite sides.
For more delicious salmon recipes, try my Lemon Pepper Salmon Bites, Crab and Salmon Sushi Bake, and Blackened Salmon next.
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Marry Me Salmon
The idea for Marry Me Salmon came from the popular "Marry Me Chicken," a dish so delicious it could inspire a proposal. I adapted this concept to create a Tuscan-inspired recipe featuring flaky salmon with a mouthwatering cream sauce.
This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes so it is an easy weeknight entree. It's also versatile so you can pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
With a rich, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs this dish is impressive enough for dinner parties or a romantic date night. However you serve it, this recipe is sure to win hearts and appetites!
Ingredients
- Salmon filets: Remove the skin from the filets. This allows the seasoning to penetrate better and creates an evenly cooked, golden brown crust when pan-seared.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the surface of the salmon. We also use it to cook the filets.
- Seasoning: Generously season each piece of salmon with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional but recommended).
- Butter: Use unsalted butter since we're adding salt. Between that and the cheese, we have more than enough.
Marry Me Cream Sauce for Salmon
- Unsalted butter: It adds a smooth, buttery richness to the sauce, balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes and cream.
- Aromatics: I use diced onions and minced garlic for a fresh flavor foundation.
- Sundried tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor, enhancing the sauce's depth and complexity. (It is optional but highly recommended.)
- Baby Spinach: Another optional ingredient, spinach adds a fresh, earthy element and a pop of color, making the dish both nutritious and visually appealing.
- Heavy cream: This gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: This lightens the cream sauce slightly, adding a subtle savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the sauce, adding a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Cheese: The combination of softened cream cheese and grated parmesan adds creaminess and a nutty, salty flavor, making the sauce deliciously cheesy.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh herbs: Finely chopped parsley and basil bring a fresh, herbaceous note to the sauce and a bright finishing touch.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
For the Salmon:
Place the clean salmon filets on a flat surface and drizzle with olive oil. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook the salmon filets until crispy and golden brown on each side (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove any skin from the salmon with a fork, reduce the heat, and cook the filets through the center for another minute, then set them aside.
For the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chopped onions.
Add garlic and spinach (and sun-dried tomatoes if adding), cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring to prevent burning.
Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and grated parmesan until the sauce thickens.
Then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley and basil, then return the salmon filets to the skillet, letting them warm in the sauce.
Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Perfect Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon to achieve a golden, crispy crust. This method locks in the moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Cheese Substitutes: To switch up the flavor, try using hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago instead of parmesan. These cheeses add a unique twist to the sauce's creamy texture.
- Veggie Additions: For extra color and nutrients, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms.
- Serving Suggestions: Marry me salmon pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta. For a lighter option, try quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Moisture Control: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel before cooking for a better sear. It also prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth for moisture.
Tools for This Marry Me Salmon Recipe
- Skillet - Use a large skillet to sear the salmon filets until golden brown and cook the sauce in the same pan to enhance the flavors.
- Spatula - A spatula is helpful for gently flipping the salmon filets to ensure even cooking without breaking them apart.
- Knife & Cutting Board - These are essential for chopping onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
- Whisk - Use a whisk to blend the cream, cream cheese, and parmesan into a smooth, creamy sauce.
FAQ
Is Marry Me Salmon not just Tuscan Salmon?
The main difference between Marry Me Salmon and Tuscan Salmon is the sauce. Marry Me Salmon includes cream cheese and lemon juice for added richness and tang, while Tuscan Salmon usually has a simpler cream and parmesan sauce. Marry Me Salmon also uses more fresh herbs like parsley and basil for a fresh, aromatic touch.
I don't love sun-dried tomatoes; is there an alternative?
You can use roasted red peppers or oven-roasted cherry tomatoes as a substitute. They provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor, though the intensity may vary.
What's the best type of salmon to use?
For this recipe, wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its richer flavor and firmer texture. However, farm-raised salmon is also a good choice if you're looking for a milder taste.
Related
Looking for other seafood recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon filets skin removed
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional but recommended
- 1 tablespoon Butter unsalted
MARRY ME CREAM SAUCE
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup Onions diced
- ½ tablespoon Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Sundried tomatoes optional but recommended
- 2 cups Baby Spinach roughly chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup Grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chiffonade or finely chopped
Instructions
- For the Salmon
- Lay the clean salmon filets on flat surface. Drizzle the salmon with the olive oil and then season them with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add in the butter. Now add the salmon filets to the skillet and cook on each side until they are crispy and golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- If the skin was on the salmon, be sure to remove it with a fork once the skin side of the salmon is cooked. Then lower the heat and allow the salmon to cook through the center for another minute, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- To Make the Cream Sauce
- Use the same skillet over medium heat. Add in the butter and allow it to begin to melt. Now add in your chopped onions and saute them. Next, add in your garlic and spinach and sauté them for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so that they don’t burn.
- Now gently pour the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice into the skillet and stir it all together until fully incorporated. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Now mix in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan with a whisk until they are fully combined, and the sauce begins to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in your chopped parsley and basil. Now nestle the salmon filets back into the sauce and let them sit in the sauce for a few minutes to warm back up and absorb some of the flavors.
- Serve over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, and Enjoy!
Video
M. Kennedy says
Great recipe!! Lots of sauce. Next time I’ll probably add more sun dried tomatoes. Easy and fast!
Tamara J. says
I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's one of our faves!
Troy says
Tried this last night and it was delicious!
Tamara J. says
Thanks Troy!
Irene says
Delish