MARRY ME SALMON IN A CREAM SAUCE
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen – MARRY ME SALMON IN A CREAM SAUCE. Inspired by Marry Me Chicken, this dish swaps the poultry for tender, flaky salmon swimming in a rich, parmesan cream sauce that’s downright irresistible.
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Whether you’re cooking to impress, celebrate, or just treat yourself, this Marry Me Salmon is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to special dinner recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes people fall in love—whether it’s a romantic dinner, a dinner party centerpiece, or a special weeknight treat. Don’t be surprised if someone proposes after tasting it!
I make a lot of salmon dishes at my house. It is probably what we eat the most – I buy in bulk at Costco! This Marry Me salmon In A Cream Sauce is definitely one of our family favorites.
Table of Contents
Cooking Tips
Skin-on salmon? No problem. Sear it skin-side down until crisp, then slide a spatula between the skin and meat after cooking—it should come right off.
Use fresh Parmesan. Skip the pre-shredded stuff. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and gives your sauce that luscious, velvety texture.
Want more sauce? Add an extra ¼ cup each of broth and cream. Great for pouring over pasta or soaking into crusty bread.
Too thick or too thin? Thin it out with more broth, or thicken it up by simmering, adding more cheese, or using a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water).
Lighter option? You can use half-and-half instead of cream. Just thicken it slightly if needed. I don’t recommend milk—it’s just too thin for this dish.
Add some greens! Stir in fresh spinach right at the end, or sprinkle in extra basil for freshness and color.
Storing Leftovers
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
More Salmon Recipes:
BLT Salmon Salad – Blackened Salmon – Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
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MARRY ME SALMON IN A CREAM SAUCE
Equipment
Ingredients
- SALMON:
- 4 skinless salmon filets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- CREAM SAUCE:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup sun dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice + ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for more spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley and basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat salmon filets dry with paper towel. Brush tops with oil then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once hot, add the filets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until cooked through and the edges have crisped. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate, set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and the cheese has melted. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Add sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the sauce as needed.
- Return the cooked salmon filets to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce on top of each filet, and continue simmering for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and basil if desired. Serve over white rice or pasta.
Nutrition
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
