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–+ servings
Marry me salmon in sauce on a white plate

Marry Me Salmon

Tender pan-seared salmon fillets simmered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and fresh basil. This easy one-pan Marry Me Salmon is ready in just 35 minutes and makes a delicious weeknight dinner or special-occasion meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 4 skinless salmon fillets approximately 6 ounces or 170 g each
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt divided; add the remaining salt to the sauce only if needed
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and chopped
  • 0.75 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • additional Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Fish spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Instant-read food thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, the black pepper, and sweet paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets and sear for 4–5 minutes on the first side until golden. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for approximately 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth. Taste before adding any remaining salt.
  6. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Simmer gently over low heat for approximately 2–4 minutes, or until the thickest part of each fillet reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir fresh lemon juice into the sauce around the salmon and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top.
  8. Serve the Marry Me Salmon immediately with additional Parmesan if desired. Pair with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 40gFat: 54gSaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 740mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best results, use center-cut salmon fillets of similar thickness and pat them completely dry before searing. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Nutrition values are approximate per serving, without side dishes, and will vary depending on the type of salmon, cream, Parmesan, and amount of salt used.

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