This Marry Me Salmon recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked in one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your back pocket for those busy evenings!
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Marry Me Salmon. You might already have a few of these ingredients hanging around in your kitchen!
- 4 salmon fillets: Fresh is best, but frozen will do if that’s what you have! Just remember to thaw them out before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For that perfect sear. (And bonus, olive oil is heart-healthy!)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a beautiful depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings such an irresistible aroma to any dish!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that creamy, dreamy texture we all love.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Just the right amount of cheesy goodness!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Feel free to use fresh if you have it, it’s extra fragrant!
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to give it a little kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste: A couple of pinches will do, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
Here’s How It’s Done
Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into creating this easy Marry Me Salmon!
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s time to get that oil warmed up and ready for the salmon!
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Make sure to get in there and really coat them well! Carefully place them in the hot skillet, and you’ll want to sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re cooked through and have that beautiful golden-brown color. Take a moment to enjoy the sizzle, it’s music to your ears!
Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate. This step is crucial, so the salmon doesn’t overcook while we make the sauce!
In the same skillet, add those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Stir in the heavy cream, and just watch that cream swirl and mix in with the other flavors. Then add in the parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes. Oh, the creamy goodness! Allow everything to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!
Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning that luscious sauce over the top. You’ll want to give those fillets a good soak in that sauce, trust me, you won’t regret it!
Finally, serve hot with your choice of side dishes. I love it with rice or a fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Oven Baked Salmon, my Salmon and Spinach Pasta, or my Easy Tuscan Salmon!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect when you need something delicious on the table fast!
One Skillet Wonder
Minimal cleanup required here, friends! Everything cooks in one skillet, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones.
Comfort Food Galore
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor while still keeping things cozy and familiar. It’s a feel-good meal that warms you from the inside out.
Customizable
You can absolutely tailor this recipe to whatever you have on hand! Swap in fresh herbs for dried, or add in some seasonal veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Family-Friendly
The whole family will love it! I can’t tell you how many times my kids have asked for seconds on this one. It’s an easy sell when it’s smothered in that creamy sauce!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
This Marry Me Salmon is heavenly with a side of fluffy rice or roasted veggies. You can also pair it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it back in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overdo it!
Freezer-Friendly
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe. The creamy sauce doesn’t reheat well, and it tends to separate. Better to make it fresh, trust me!

In case you’re wondering about any variations, think of adding a splash of lemon juice or zest for a bright flavor kick! Or maybe toss in some spinach for color and nutrients.
You know how life can get hectic, right? Between juggling work, kids’ activities, and everything in between, getting dinner on the table can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But with this Marry Me Salmon, you can take a deep breath and know you have a delicious plan in place.
And here’s a thought: Every time I make this dish, I remember a time my son asked me, “Mom, is this salmon what made dad propose?” It’s moments like these that make cooking so special, don’t you think?
Food really has a way of bringing us together and creating memories. So whether you’re making this for family or friends, do it with love and enjoy every bite. Now, get to it! You’ve got a sumptuous meal just waiting to be enjoyed! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Marry Me Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A one-skillet salmon dish that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, basil, and red pepper flakes, simmering gently until thickened.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
- Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding leftover veggies or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
