If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special yet effortless, this Best Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce is exactly what you need. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared and simmered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for both busy weeknights and memorable dinners at home.
Why You’ll Love This Best Marry Me Salmon
- One-pan recipe for easy cooking and cleanup
- Creamy, bold flavors without complicated steps
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Feels fancy but uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for family dinners or date-night meals
This recipe is especially popular because it balances richness with freshness, making it satisfying without being overwhelming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Best Marry Me Salmon (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps create a golden crust when searing.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until smooth.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until salmon is fully cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Cheese swap: Asiago or mozzarella work well if Parmesan isn’t available
- Herb boost: Fresh basil or thyme pairs beautifully with the sauce
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this Best Marry Me Salmon with:
- Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
- Pasta or orzo
- Roasted vegetables or garlic green beans
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce smooth.
Best Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick, creamy one-pan dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy. Pan-seared salmon fillets simmer in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy at-home date night.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through; transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over top; simmer 2–3 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Lighter option: swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk (sauce will be thinner).
Broth swap: use vegetable broth if needed.
Cheese swap: Asiago or mozzarella can replace Parmesan.
Heat option: add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce from separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 38g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
Final Thoughts
This Best Marry Me Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. Whether you’re cooking for family or someone special, this dish delivers comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavor—all in one pan.