There’s something magical about a salmon dinner that feels both special and comforting. This Marry Me Salmon brings together a crispy pan-seared exterior and a silky, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that makes every forkful unforgettable.
I still remember the first time I made this dish—my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of garlic and basil, the salmon sizzling perfectly. It instantly became a favorite for those cozy nights when I wanted to impress without stress.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Crispy salmon fillets with a tender, juicy center
- Rich, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato and fresh basil flavor
- Elegant plating that looks as good as it tastes
- Quick to prepare, perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions
Simple steps and familiar ingredients make this a dish you’ll want to cook again and again.
PrintMarry Me Salmon
Pan-seared and oven-baked salmon fillets served with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon fillets skin-side down until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Flip salmon and cook for another 2 minutes.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
Remove salmon from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Simmer sauce gently until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve salmon fillets centered on plates, spoon sauce generously over and around each fillet.
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
FAQ
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce a few hours in advance and gently reheat it before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Save this recipe, print it out, or dive right in and cook your way to a delicious, cozy meal tonight.

