If you’re looking to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, this Marry Me Salmon recipe is your answer. It’s a beautifully simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for any occasion.
The delicate salmon fillets are perfectly seared and then bathed in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon zest that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of dish that’s so flavorful, it might just make someone fall in love with you—hence the name!
This dish is trending for a reason: it combines rich, luxurious ingredients with a quick and easy cooking method, making it perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate your salmon game, turning it into something utterly irresistible.
Pair it with Mashed Potato Puffs or a refreshing Greek Salad to complete the meal, creating a balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors.
Marry Me Salmon is more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures. The creamy sauce coats the salmon in a way that makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again!

- Simplicity at its finest: This dish is deceptively easy to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy, savory sauce: The sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan elevate the sauce to new levels.
- Impresses every time: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special celebration, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect with sides: It pairs beautifully with mashed potato puffs or a crisp Greek salad.
- Quick yet decadent: Ready in under 30 minutes, it brings luxury without the wait.

Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl (for seasoning the salmon)
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the salmon: In a skillet, sear the salmon fillets on both sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add flour: Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for another minute.
- Add liquids: Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Return salmon to the pan: Place the salmon fillets back into the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 647kcal |
Carbohydrates | 16g |
Protein | 43g |
Fat | 46g |
Sugar | 7g |
Sodium | 988mg |
Creative Variations For Marry Me Salmon!
- Swap the Salmon for Chicken: If you’re not a fan of fish or want a twist, substitute the salmon with chicken breasts or thighs. The creamy sauce works wonderfully with chicken, offering a similar rich flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning adds convenience, fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can elevate the flavor. Toss them in at the end to maintain their fresh, aromatic qualities.
- Add a Kick with Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to balance the richness of the cream and add a zesty flair.
- Lemon Butter Sauce Instead of Cream: For a lighter version, switch the creamy sauce for a tangy lemon butter sauce. Simply omit the cream and use lemon juice, butter, and a bit of white wine to create a bright, zesty sauce.
- Incorporate Spinach or Kale: For added nutrition and color, toss in a handful of spinach or kale to the sauce before returning the salmon to the pan. The greens add a nice texture and a mild earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Variety: Instead of just Parmesan, try using a combination of cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a deeper, more complex flavor. The sharpness of these cheeses pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Substitute: If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, try roasted red peppers or even olives for a Mediterranean twist. They’ll still offer that savory, slightly tangy note without overpowering the dish.
These variations allow you to customize the recipe to your taste and dietary preferences while maintaining the rich, indulgent flavors that make Marry Me Salmon such a standout dish.

John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.