Name: Marry Me Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 2 tablespoons butter.; 3 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped.; 1/4 cup heavy cream.; 1/4 cup chicken broth.; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 1 teaspoon dried thyme.; 1 teaspoon dried basil.; Salt and pepper to taste.; Fresh parsley for garnish.

Grilled salmon fillets topped with fresh herbs and spices simmering in a flavorful sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My Marry Me Salmon got its name after my boyfriend proposed the first time I made it for him! This indulgent dish combines perfectly baked salmon with the most incredible creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It's become my signature recipe for special occasions but honestly we love it so much it appears on our regular dinner rotation too.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The magic happens when that velvety sun-dried tomato sauce blankets the tender salmon. I've made this for countless dinner parties and the plates always come back empty. The best part? It looks fancy but comes together in no time. Plus it's packed with healthy omega-3s so you can feel good about going back for seconds.

Let's Go Shopping

4 beautiful salmon fillets: I get mine from my local fish market ask for center cut pieces.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Use the good stuff here.
2 tablespoons butter: Real butter not margarine.
3 cloves garlic: Fresh only please no jarred stuff.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: I love the oil-packed ones they're so flavorful.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Full fat all the way.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Homemade if you have it.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated stuff.
Fresh herbs: Thyme, basil, and parsley from my garden.

Quick But Impressive

From start to finish this dish takes just 25 minutes. That's faster than getting takeout! Each serving gives you a good dose of protein and healthy fats making it perfect for a satisfying dinner that won't weigh you down.

Let's Make Some Magic

Prep Your Salmon: First things first crank that oven to 400°F. Pat those beautiful fillets dry season them with love. Remember a well-seasoned piece of fish makes all the difference.
Create The Sauce: This is where it gets fun! Let that garlic dance in melted butter until your kitchen smells amazing. Add your tomatoes cream broth and watch the magic happen.
Bring It All Together: Nestle your salmon in a baking dish pour that gorgeous sauce all over and let the oven work its magic for about 15 minutes.

Perfect Partners

I love serving this with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts they soak up that amazing sauce beautifully. A bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes works wonderfully too. Sometimes I just toss together a simple green salad when we're keeping it light.

Two pieces of seasoned salmon fillets are resting in a pan, garnished with herbs and spices. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My Kitchen Secrets

Fresh salmon is non-negotiable here. I always ask my fishmonger for the freshest cuts. Keep an eye on your salmon while it bakes overcooking is the enemy of perfect fish. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine to the sauce when I'm feeling fancy.

Make It Your Own

Over the years I've created so many variations. Adding lemon zest brightens everything up. My spice-loving friends appreciate a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sometimes I sprinkle crispy bacon on top and my husband goes crazy for it. A herb crust adds nice texture too.

For My Dairy-Free Friends

My best friend can't do dairy so I created a version using coconut cream. The subtle coconut flavor actually works beautifully with the salmon. Nobody even realizes it's dairy-free unless I tell them!

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 days. Just warm everything gently on the stovetop or in the oven. I like to add a splash of chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Make Ahead Magic

Sometimes I prepare extra and freeze portions for busy weeknights. Just remember to freeze the salmon and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge and dinner's practically ready to go.

Playing with Herbs

While thyme and basil are my go-to herbs I love experimenting with different combinations. Fresh dill adds such a lovely spring feeling and rosemary gives it a cozy winter vibe. Use whatever herbs speak to you.

All About That Sauce

I always make extra sauce because everyone wants more. Sometimes I stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or splash of white wine. The sauce possibilities are endless and it makes everything it touches taste amazing.

Two pieces of glazed salmon are cooked in a pan, garnished with herbs and spices, resting in a flavorful sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Date Night Superstar

This dish has sparked more than one proposal in my circle of friends! There's something about the elegant presentation and rich flavors that makes it perfect for romantic dinners. Just add candles wine and your favorite person.

Good For You Too

I love telling my health-conscious friends about all the omega-3s and protein packed in this dish. It's proof that healthy food can taste absolutely indulgent. Even my kids who usually avoid fish clean their plates.

Choosing Your Salmon

I've learned so much from my fishmonger about picking perfect salmon. Look for bright colored flesh and a fresh ocean scent. Wild caught is wonderful but good quality farmed salmon works beautifully too.

Tools of the Trade

You don't need fancy equipment but a good baking dish and heavy skillet make all the difference. I love using my cast iron pan for the sauce it creates the most amazing flavors.

Wine Time

My favorite pairing is a crisp Sauvignon Blanc but any white wine you love will work beautifully. Red wine drinkers in my life swear by Pinot Noir with this dish. It's all about what makes you happy.

The Finishing Touch

Fresh herbs scattered on top make everything look gorgeous. Sometimes I add edible flowers when I'm hosting special dinners. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds beautiful shine.

More Than Just Dinner

This Marry Me Salmon has become more than just a recipe in our house. It's part of our love story and has sparked so many special moments around our table. I hope it brings the same magic to your kitchen.

Two grilled salmon fillets topped with herbs and spices are displayed in a flavorful broth. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this salmon special?: The rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan elevates this dish to restaurant quality. It's elegant yet simple to prepare.
→ Can I use skin-on or skinless salmon?: Both work well in this recipe. If using skin-on, place the salmon skin-side down in the baking dish.
→ How do I know when the salmon is done?: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, usually after 15-20 minutes.
→ What sides go well with this?: Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce pairs well with any starchy side dish.
→ Can I make this ahead?: While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before adding to the salmon for baking.

Marry Me Salmon