Description
This Marry Me Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon filets topped with a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. The sauce is velvety and rich, balancing the tender, flavorful salmon and making it a show-stopping dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon filets, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Brush olive oil evenly on each salmon filet, then season both sides with dried Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon filets and cook about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until salmon is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to form a smooth paste combining butter and garlic.
- Whisk in Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes so it thickens to a creamy consistency, perfect to coat the salmon.
- Combine Salmon with Sauce: Nestle the cooked salmon filets back into the skillet, laying them on top of the sauce for flavor absorption.
- Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes so the salmon soaks up the sauce flavors, enhancing every bite. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Serve the salmon warm over cooked pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish to enjoy the delicious creamy sauce in every mouthful.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are oily packed, drain and chop them finely before adding.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce might be less rich.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the salmon can overcook if left in the sauce too long.
- Garnish with fresh basil adds a nice herbal brightness to contrast the creamy sauce.
