Okay, let me tell you about the first time I tasted something *like* Marry Me Salmon. Wow! It was at this tiny Italian place downtown, all cozy and dimly lit. I swear, every bite was an explosion of creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness. I’ve been hooked on that flavor combo ever since! This version, my version of Marry Me Salmon, is even better, if I do say so myself. It’s ridiculously rich and flavorful – seriously, you’ll lick your plate clean. And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Trust me; this creamy salmon recipe is a total winner!
Why You’ll Adore This Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Seriously, there are a million reasons to fall in love with this Marry Me Salmon, but here are a few of my faves:
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
I’m talking from fridge to table in like, 25 minutes. Yep, even *I* have time for that!
Incredibly Flavorful and Creamy
The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan create this ridiculously rich, creamy sauce that you’ll want to slather on everything. Seriously!
Impressive Enough for Date Night
Wanna wow someone? This creamy salmon looks and tastes super fancy, but it’s secretly easy. They’ll think you’re a culinary genius!
Low-Carb Friendly
Watching your carbs? No problem! This Marry Me Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Ingredients for Your Marry Me Salmon
Okay, here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?
Salmon
Grab about 1.5 pounds of salmon fillet. Skin on or off, your call!
Olive Oil
Just a tablespoon of regular olive oil will do.
Garlic
Four cloves, minced. And I mean *minced*. None of that chunky business!
Red Pepper Flakes
A quarter teaspoon. Adjust to your spice preference. Or don’t, if you’re a wimp! (Just kidding… mostly.)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Half a cup. Get the oil-packed kind, but make sure you drain ’em real good.
Heavy Cream
You’ll need half a cup. Don’t even *think* about using milk. Trust me on this one.
Parmesan Cheese
A quarter cup, grated. Freshly grated is always best, obvi.
Fresh Basil
Two tablespoons, chopped. Adds that extra *oomph*!
Seasoning
Salt and pepper. To taste, duh!
How to Make Marry Me Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, listen up, because this is where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll be swimming in creamy, dreamy salmon in no time. I promise it’s easier than it looks!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first: crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). You gotta have it nice and hot. Also, make sure you’ve got an oven-safe skillet ready to go. Cast iron is my fave, but anything that can handle the heat will work!
Sear the Salmon
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, season your salmon with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it splatters!), place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on. Let it sear for 3-4 minutes. You want a nice, golden crust. Then, flip it!
Add Aromatics
Okay, now toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for just one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Mmm, that smells good already, doesn’t it?
Create the Creamy Sauce
Time for the good stuff! Stir in your sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until everything’s combined and it starts to simmer. Don’t let it boil, just a gentle simmer. You want that cheese all melty and delicious!
Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcook it, or it’ll be dry! Yuck!
Garnish and Serve
Take that skillet out of the oven (careful, it’s HOT!) and garnish with your chopped fresh basil. Now, serve it up and prepare for some serious compliments!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Salmon
Want to take your Marry Me Salmon to the *next* level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:
Don’t Overcook the Salmon
Seriously, this is key! Overcooked salmon is dry and sad. Check for doneness by flaking it gently with a fork. It should be opaque and pull apart easily. Err on the side of undercooked – it’ll keep cooking a bit from the residual heat!
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
Fresh basil is *always* best, but hey, sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got! If you’re using dried basil, use about half the amount (so, one tablespoon instead of two). Dried herbs are way more potent, ya know?
Adjust the Red Pepper Flakes
Not a fan of spice? No prob! Reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes altogether. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch more! It’s all about what *you* like, baby!
Skillet Size Matters
Make sure your skillet is big enough to comfortably fit your salmon fillet without overcrowding! If it’s too small, the salmon will steam instead of sear, and nobody wants that, right?
Marry Me Salmon Variations to Try
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Marry Me Salmon recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. I mean, why not, right?
Add Spinach
Wanna sneak in some extra greens? Just stir in a handful or two of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts down super quick, and nobody will even notice it’s there! (Okay, maybe they will, but it’s still delicious!)
Use Different Cheese
Parmesan is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Try using Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick or Asiago for a nuttier flavor. Ooh, or even a little bit of goat cheese for tang! The possibilities are endless!
Spicy Marry Me Salmon
Feeling fiery? Add a pinch (or a dash, or a whole teaspoon – I won’t judge!) of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Salmon
Alright, you’ve got this amazing Marry Me Salmon… now what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Pasta
This creamy salmon is *amazing* served over your favorite pasta. I’m talking linguine, fettuccine, even penne! Toss it all together and BAM! Instant deliciousness.
Rice
Not a pasta person? No problem! A simple side of white rice or brown rice works perfectly with this creamy salmon. The rice soaks up all that yummy sauce. Yum!
Vegetables
Gotta get your greens in, right? Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are both great choices. They’re healthy, delicious, and they complement the salmon perfectly.
Storing and Reheating Marry Me Salmon Leftovers
Okay, so you somehow managed *not* to eat every single bite of your Marry Me Salmon? Amazing! Here’s how to keep those leftovers tasting delish:
Storage
Pop any leftover salmon into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to 3 days. But, let’s be real, it probably won’t last that long!
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat. Or, if you’re in a hurry (I get it!), zap it in the microwave. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll get tough!
Marry Me Salmon: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making this amazing Marry Me Salmon? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask, so you can be a creamy salmon pro!
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yep, absolutely! Just make sure you thaw it completely before cooking. And pat it really dry with paper towels, okay? You don’t want any extra water messing with that sear!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Good question! You *can* totally prep the sauce ahead of time. Just whip it up and keep it in the fridge. But wait to add the salmon until right before you’re ready to cook, that way it doesn’t get weird.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Okay, listen, I *really* recommend sticking with heavy cream for the best flavor and texture. But if you’re in a pinch, yeah, you can use milk. Just know that the sauce will be a lot thinner, so it won’t be quite as decadent.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Oops! Okay, no biggie. You can use fresh cherry tomatoes instead! Just halve them and toss ’em in. It’ll give you a different flavor profile, but it’ll still be yummy, I promise.
Is Marry Me Salmon Keto-friendly?
Woohoo! Yes, it totally is! This recipe is a great low-carb option, packed with healthy fats and protein. So go ahead and indulge without the guilt!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Marry Me Salmon
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional stuff, right? Well, each serving clocks in around 450 calories. But hey, that’s just an estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Delicious Marry Me Salmon!
Alright, go forth and make some Marry Me Salmon! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment or share it with your friends, okay? Enjoy!
PrintFlawless Marry Me Salmon Recipe in Just 25 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Marry Me Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish. You will love this creamy salmon recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on.
- Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes, then flip.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bring to a simmer, then transfer skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use spinach for extra nutrients.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg