Marry Me Salmon is a dish so rich and flavorful, it might just have you falling in love with every bite. This delectable salmon is baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce featuring garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of herbs—creating an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a cozy family meal, or a celebration, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.
I discovered this recipe while looking for a dish to wow my dinner party guests, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! As soon as this dish hit the table, everyone was asking for the recipe (and I could tell from the smiles that they were already dreaming of seconds). The creamy sauce paired with tender, flaky salmon is the kind of combination that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors, while the garlic provides warmth and depth. The Parmesan cheese brings in a rich, savory finish, making this dish irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a date night or just to treat yourself, Marry Me Salmon is sure to impress.
Perfect for:
- Romantic dinners or date nights
- Impressing guests at dinner parties
- Weeknight meals with a touch of elegance
- Special occasions like anniversaries or celebrations
- Craving something indulgent yet healthy
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Salmon:
- Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the salmon’s delicate flavor.
- Simple Yet Elegant: Despite its gourmet taste, this dish requires minimal effort, making it an easy choice for any meal.
- Healthy and Indulgent: Salmon is rich in omega-3s, offering both nutrition and indulgence in one delicious package.
- Versatile Side Pairings: This dish goes wonderfully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving just a couple or a crowd, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, thyme, and basil, stirring until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bake the Salmon:
- Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over the fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
How to Serve Marry Me Salmon:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a colorful, balanced meal.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon on a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With a Fresh Salad: A light green salad complements the richness of the salmon and sauce beautifully.
- With Garlic Bread: For an indulgent touch, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Additional Tips for Marry Me Salmon:
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh fillets provide the best flavor and texture, though frozen works well too.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when flaky and tender. Keep an eye on it in the oven to avoid overcooking.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try rosemary, oregano, or dill to give the sauce a new twist.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the recipe and pour it over side dishes as well.
Freezing and Storing Marry Me Salmon:
- Freezing: You can freeze leftover salmon for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer bag.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Recipe Variations:
- Lemon Garlic Marry Me Salmon: Add lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Spicy Marry Me Salmon: Stir in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cajun Marry Me Salmon: Season with Cajun spices for a Southern-inspired dish.
- Herb-Crusted Marry Me Salmon: Coat the fillets with herbs and breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.
- Marry Me Salmon with Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for added nutrition.
- Marry Me Salmon with Bacon: Top with crispy bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Marry Me Salmon with Mushrooms: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Maple Glazed Marry Me Salmon: Drizzle with maple syrup before baking for a sweet finish.
- Parmesan Crusted Marry Me Salmon: Add a Parmesan topping for a cheesy, crispy crust.
- Marry Me Salmon with Pesto: Drizzle with pesto for a fresh, herby contrast.
This Marry Me Salmon is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion!
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