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Marry Me Salmon

Tender salmon fillets in a luxurious creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs—so delicious it might inspire a proposal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and shallot, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  5. Pour in white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught salmon. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.