This salmon dish really delivers serious restaurant flavor. The richness of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce clings beautifully. Imagine flaky, moist salmon bathed in that savory coating. Honestly, making this Marry Me Salmon feels like a little kitchen magic trick. It is unbelievably decadent for how quick the whole process is.
I often save this recipe for those nights when I need a win. Even better, leftovers keep wonderfully well for lunch the next day. My family always asks for this comforting seafood creation weekly.
Why I Love This Recipe
This simple preparation is truly my weeknight hero. It tastes luxurious, but it is ready fast. The robust flavor profile wows everyone I serve it to. Here is why it sits high on my favorites list:
- Speedy Prep: Seriously under thirty minutes start to finish!
- Impressive Taste: Guests think I slaved all afternoon.
- Comfort Factor: That creamy sauce is pure cozy satisfaction.
Marry Me Salmon Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of simple, bright components. Every ingredient plays a specific, delicious part in crafting that signature craveable flavor. We are aiming for tender fish enveloped in savory goodness.
Substitutions and Tips
- Salmon Fillets: Any thickness works; check for freshness.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half works in a pinch, but it thins the sauce a bit.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add concentrated tomato punch and chew.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for the best melting quality.
- Italian Seasoning: This provides essential foundational Italian notes.
Remember, full measurements for our Marry Me Salmon are waiting in the card below.
How to Make Marry Me Salmon
Step 1
Begin by patting your salmon fillets completely dry. Moisture stops that beautiful sear we want. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper now. This simple act builds foundational flavor.
Step 2
Next, heat your olive oil in a large skillet. Use a medium-high setting for good heat. Place the salmon in the hot pan. Sear the skin side first for four to five minutes until golden. Flip it gently. Cook another two to three minutes. Remove the cooked fish and set it aside nearby.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to a steady medium level now. Add your butter to the warm skillet easily. Let the butter melt completely down. Add the freshly minced garlic right away. Sauté it just until you smell its wonderful fragrance.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream. Let this mixture come to a soft simmer. Scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck below. Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Keep simmering for about three minutes while stirring. The sauce should start thickening up nicely.
Step 5
Now, stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Add the fresh spinach quickly as well. Cook these additions for just one to two minutes total. Watch carefully as that fresh spinach fully wilts away.
Step 6
Gently nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the pan. Make sure they sit snugly in the sauce bath. Spoon some of that wonderful sauce over the top surface. This ensures every bite is perfectly coated.
Step 7
Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley right now. Serve your glorious Marry Me Salmon immediately. Perfect companions include pasta or maybe some fluffy rice tonight.
How to Store Marry Me Salmon
Storing leftover creamy salmon is quite simple. Place cooled leftovers into an airtight container first. Keep it refrigerated for up to three days total. Freezing is not ideal for this dairy-based sauce. The texture really suffers upon thawing later. For the best eating experience, enjoy this dish fresh.
Tips for Success
- Dry, Dry Salmon: This step guarantees a crisp exterior sear.
- Quality Parmesan: Use grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for better flavor payoff.
- Simmer Gently: Do not boil the cream sauce too hard ever.
- Taste Test: Adjust salt before adding the salmon back in.
- Spinach Wilt: It wilts fast, so don’t overcook it accidentally.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- One good large, oven-safe skillet is perfect.
- Paper towels are essential for drying the fish quickly.
- A sharp knife for chopping garlic and tomatoes must be ready.
- Measuring cups measure your cream and broth accurately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Roasted asparagus makes a wonderful, quick green side dish.
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this seafood.
- Garnish with extra fresh lemon zest for brightness.
Marry Me Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared/Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A rich and flavorful salmon dish featuring a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, often referred to as ‘Marry Me Salmon’ due to its deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each), skin on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down if applicable, and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spice.
- Ensure the salmon is fully cooked through before returning it to the sauce.
