Marry Me Salmon Recipe – Creamy Garlic Sauce for a Romantic Dinner
This Marry Me Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce is a rich, restaurant-quality dish made right at home! Perfectly seared salmon fillets are smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs—making it an irresistible dinner for date nights, special occasions, or when you want to impress. It’s quick, elegant, and bursting with flavor. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete, unforgettable meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Aromatics:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
Sauce Base:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Flavor Boosters:
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Herbs & Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup white wine (optional for deglazing)
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and shallots to the same pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in broth or white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan: Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Finish the Dish: Return salmon to the pan. Spoon sauce over fillets and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add spinach if using and stir until wilted.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- Don’t overcook salmon—remove from heat just before it’s done.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Deglaze the pan after searing to capture all the flavor.
- Add spinach at the end to retain color and nutrients.
- Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Store sauce and salmon separately for best texture when making ahead