Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe because it feels like a fancy restaurant dish you can easily whip up at home on a weeknight. There’s something magical about that rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that just wraps around the flaky salmon—it’s so flavorful and comforting. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like a special occasion, even if it’s just Tuesday.

This recipe works beautifully for dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that it’s straightforward, but the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in a creamy sauce makes it super memorable. Once you try this Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, it might just become your go-to for salmon nights!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to create the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce while keeping the salmon tender and juicy. When shopping, especially for sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, try to pick ones with good quality — it truly makes a difference!

• Salmon fillets: Skin removed for easier cooking and smoother sauce coverage.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for searing the salmon.
• Dried basil: Brings a sweet-herb note that enhances the sauce.
• Garlic powder: A quick way to boost garlicky depth alongside fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it pairs beautifully with salmon.
• Red pepper flakes: A gentle kick of heat, optional but recommended.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to brighten flavors.
• Chicken stock, unsalted: Adds savory liquid without overpowering saltiness.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luscious sauce texture everyone loves.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for bursts of tangy sweetness; you can use oil-packed for extra flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for bold aroma and flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded melts into the sauce to add depth and richness.
• Fresh basil: Adds a bright, fresh finish as garnish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is. Feel free to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs — it’s one of those dishes that welcomes your creativity!

• Dairy-Free Variation: I once swapped heavy cream with coconut milk and used nutritional yeast instead of parmesan; it gave a lovely creaminess and a bit of umami without dairy.
• Spice It Up: When we want more heat at home, I add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for a smoky, spicy finish.
• Herb Twists: Sometimes I swap fresh basil for fresh parsley or oregano based on what I have on hand — each herb changes the flavor subtly but beautifully.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Variety: Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes gives a richer flavor, but dried ones rehydrated in olive oil work just fine and save fridge space.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Salmon Like a Pro

Start by mixing your dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is packed with flavor! Rub half of that mixture thoroughly on both sides of the salmon fillets. I like to pat them dry first — it helps the seasoning stick and gives a better sear later on.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up (since the skin’s removed, this is essentially the “flesh” side) into the pan and sear for about 5 minutes. Flip carefully and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. You want a beautiful golden crust with tender centers. Once done, remove the salmon and set aside — don’t wash the pan, you’ll use those flavorful bits for the sauce.

Step 3: Build That Incredible Sauce

Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, add a splash of that oil here — it adds amazing flavor! Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Then pour in the chicken stock. Use your spatula to scrape up all the tasty brown bits stuck to the pan — that’s where the magic is.

Step 4: Creamy Goodness and Cheese Finish

Stir in the heavy cream, freshly shredded parmesan, and the rest of the seasoning mix you saved. Bring the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully and develop a rich, silky texture. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed — I always recommend tasting before serving.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Salmon in Sauce

Slide the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning plenty of sauce over the top. Let them cook in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness — 3 minutes gives you a medium, moist center, while 5 minutes makes it more well done. This step lets the salmon soak up those gorgeous flavors.

Serve right away with fresh basil sprinkled over the top for that perfect fresh pop.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for fresh basil leaves as a garnish — not only do they add color, but their herbal brightness perfectly balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes I like to finely grate a bit of extra parmesan over the top right before serving for a cheesy finish. A lemon wedge on the side is also great if you want a hint of citrus to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides for this salmon are simple and fresh: garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette. I’ve also paired it with roasted asparagus or a creamy risotto — the sauce on the salmon complements those beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the salmon fillet on a bed of fluffly herb rice, then spooning the sun-dried tomato cream sauce over the top, and finishing with a delicate basil chiffonade. A drizzle of balsamic glaze around the edges of the plate makes it look super fancy and adds a tangy counterpoint that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover salmon and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping the sauce with the salmon helps preserve moisture and flavor, so reheated leftovers still taste great.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this dish often, you can freeze the salmon and sauce separately. Freeze the sauce in smaller portions so you can thaw just what you need. The salmon freezes best when wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, but note that texture might soften a bit after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or stock if it’s too thick. Then, add the salmon fillets back to warm through for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can — gentle stovetop reheating keeps the salmon tender and sauce creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen favorites because it’s a dish that turns simple salmon into something unforgettable. I love sharing it with friends and family because it always gets compliments and everyone asks for seconds. Trust me—you’ll enjoy preparing and serving this dish just as much as eating it. Give it a try, and let it become your new “go-to” for a hearty, elegant salmon dinner!

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