If you’ve ever wanted to serve a dinner so delicious it could seal the deal on a proposal—or just make a Tuesday night feel like a special occasion—this Marry Me Salmon might be your new secret weapon. Creamy, savory, with a tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes and just the right touch of spice, it’s the kind of easy salmon dinner that tastes like you fussed for hours. Spoiler: you didn’t.

I love how this dish brings restaurant-level flavor to a humble home kitchen without turning your evening into a full-blown cooking marathon. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent yet simple, and trust me—when that creamy sauce hits the salmon? You’ll want to marry yourself.

So whether you’re cooking for someone special or just want to treat yourself to something amazing, this creamy salmon recipe is guaranteed to leave an impression. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon

Packed with flavor from garlic, parmesan, and sun dried tomatoes
One-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum taste
Quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests
The creamy, dreamy sauce alone is worth it!

Marry Me Salmon

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x

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Description

Marry Me Salmon is a creamy, savory salmon dinner with sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and garlic, finished in a luscious one-pan sauce. Quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, this dish balances tangy, rich, and slightly spicy flavors that will impress anyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed (approx. 500–700 g)
2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
1 tsp dried basil (1 g)
1 tsp garlic powder (2.5 g)
1 tsp onion powder (2.5 g)
1/2 tsp dried thyme (0.5 g)
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp salt (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp black pepper (1.5 g)
1 cup chicken stock, unsalted (240 ml)
1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (60 g)
5 garlic cloves, minced (15 g)
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (50 g)
Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Mix basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Rub half of the seasoning blend onto both sides of the salmon fillets.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon, flesh side down, for about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté garlic and sun dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in chicken stock, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
Add cream, parmesan, and the remaining seasoning. Stir and simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over the fillets, and cook 3–5 minutes more.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Searing locks in flavor and gives salmon a golden crust.

Adjust sauce consistency with more chicken stock if needed.

Substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Pan-seared + Simmer
Cuisine: American / Fusion

Ingredients You’ll Need

3–4 salmon fillets, skin removed (approx. 500–700 g)
2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
1 tsp dried basil (1 g)
1 tsp garlic powder (2.5 g)
1 tsp onion powder (2.5 g)
1/2 tsp dried thyme (0.5 g)
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp salt (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp black pepper (1.5 g)
1 cup chicken stock, unsalted (240 ml)
1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (60 g)
5 garlic cloves, minced (15 g)
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (50 g)
Fresh basil (for garnish)

How to Make Marry Me Salmon

In a small bowl, combine basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Rub half of this seasoning blend all over both sides of your salmon fillets.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon, flesh side down, for about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes. (Add a splash of that sun dried tomato oil if you’re feeling fancy!)
Pour in chicken stock, scraping up all the browned bits.
Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and let it simmer on medium-low for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon that luscious sauce right on top. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Tips for Making This Easy Salmon Dinner Even Better

Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor and gives a beautiful golden crust.
If your sauce gets too thick, splash in a little more chicken stock.
Prefer dairy-free? Coconut cream can sub in for heavy cream, though the flavor will shift.
Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes richer than the pre-shredded stuff.
The sun dried tomato oil adds depth—don’t toss it!

My Story Behind This Creamy Salmon Recipe

This recipe was born from a last-minute dinner date I didn’t have time to prep for. I had salmon in the fridge, some cream and garlic, and a jar of sun dried tomatoes that had been waiting patiently for their moment. What happened next was pure culinary serendipity. One bite in and my dinner date—my husband now, by the way—said, “You could marry someone with this.” And just like that, Marry Me Salmon got its name.

Ever since, it’s been my go-to dish for date nights, celebrations, or even solo dinners when I need a little joy on a plate. It’s comforting, elevated, and surprisingly easy. And yes, my kids love it too (minus the red pepper flakes—mild version for them!).

What to Serve with Marry Me Salmon

Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make the perfect sponge for that luscious sauce.
A simple steamed green veggie—think broccolini, asparagus, or green beans—adds balance.
For a lighter take, serve with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Crusty artisan bread for dipping? Don’t mind if I do.
Want wine? Try a chilled Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir.

How to Store Leftovers

Marry Me Salmon keeps surprisingly well, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Let leftovers cool completely before storing.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out the salmon.
The sauce may thicken after chilling—add a splash of water or cream when reheating.
I don’t recommend freezing this one; cream sauces tend to separate once thawed.

FAQs About Marry Me Salmon

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes! Coconut cream or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk can work, though it changes the flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

Just a touch. If you’re spice-sensitive or serving kids, feel free to reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely. Just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat and add salmon just before serving.

How many does this serve?

It serves 3–4, depending on portion size (and how many times you go back for seconds!).

This Creamy Salmon Recipe Is More Than Just Dinner…

It’s comfort food, a crowd-pleaser, and yes—potentially proposal-worthy. Whether you’re impressing someone special or simply showing yourself some love, Marry Me Salmon is a dish that delivers every single time. The creamy texture, the tangy sun dried tomatoes, the rich parmesan—it’s a harmony of flavors that’s both indulgent and easy. Now that’s what I call a dinner worth falling for.

So go ahead—tie on that apron and make some kitchen magic. Love might just be a skillet away.

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Marry Me Salmon: The Creamy Salmon Recipe That Might Just Steal Your Heart