Marry Me Salmon Recipe – Flavorful, Rich, and Perfect for Special Occasions Recipe
This Marry Me Salmon recipe features perfectly baked salmon fillets coated with a flavorful spice rub, served in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. It’s an elegant and indulgent dish ideal for special occasions or a memorable dinner, offering a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors with fresh basil to brighten the plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 (4-ounce) salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon” or 1 chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
To Serve (Optional):
- Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven to ensure even cooking of the salmon.
- Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper. This mixture will add a flavorful crust to the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a brush, coat each fillet with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Evenly rub the spice mixture onto the salmon so it’s completely coated.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist and tender.
- Make the Sauce: While the salmon bakes, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, chicken bouillon, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and season with kosher salt to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Discard the salmon skin and gently nestle the cooked salmon fillets into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Sprinkle with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and any remaining red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes if desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative.
- Use gluten-free chicken stock or bouillon to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer less spice, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; if unavailable, fresh parsley can be substituted.
Keywords: Marry Me Salmon, creamy salmon recipe, sun-dried tomato sauce, baked salmon, Parmesan salmon, easy special occasion dinner
