If you love creamy, comforting dishes like this, my Marry Me Chicken Soup brings the same rich flavours into a cosy bowl.
A truly swoon-worthy recipe, marry me salmon features tender, flaky salmon fillets in a rich and creamy creamy sun dried tomato sauce with cream, garlic and cheese. Silky smooth, rich and delicious!

Having become a recent internet sensation, with all kinds of recipes popping up on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, marry me salmon makes the perfect elevated recipe for salmon fans.
Why you'll love this marry me salmon
- This dish is a seafood adaptation of the "Marry Me Chicken" trend and it's just as delicious – definitely a keeper! Check out my Marry Me Chicken Soup as well!
- Creamy marry me salmon is an excellent choice for a romantic meal, date nights or a special occasion for the whole family, with a gourmet feel that's easy to make.
- Marry me salmon is really easy to make and is ready in under 30 minutes.
- The salmon is pan-seared until golden brown and crispy before being simmered in the creamy, flavorful sauce, the perfect way to cook salmon.
- The creamy garlic lemon sauce is simply sensational!
Equipment needed for this recipe
- Large skillet – invest in a quality, heavy-bottomed skillet to get that wonderfully seared flavor on your salmon.
- Whisk – a stainless steel, ergonomic whisk will ensure your sauce is silky smooth.
How to make marry me salmon

You need salmon, sundried tomatoes, flour, cream, broth, parmesan, butter, spinach, garlic and lemon for this recipe.

Dust the salmon fillets in seasoned flour and fry until browned on both sides.

In the same pan, gently fry in the garlic and stir in the flour until a light roux forms.

Stir in the broth then add the sundried tomatoes.

Stir in the cream then add the spinach.

Tip in the grated parmesan, lemon zest and juice. Stir and cook gently until the cheese has just melted. Add the salmon fillets and heat through. Serve immediately.
Recipe tips
- The ideal cooking technique is to remove the salmon before it fully cooks, allowing it to finish in the sauce.
- Patting the salmon dry before cooking helps achieve a good sear.

What I serve with marry me salmon
- Marry me salmon pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes as a base.
- Garlic butter noodles are a great side dish to serve with marry me salmon.
- Burrata with tomato can be served as an appetizer before marry me salmon.
- Zucchini noodles are a lighter option to serve with this dish.
- A simple salad, like a Parmesan chopped salad, would complement this salmon dish.
- Cauliflower rice is a healthy, low carb side dish.
- A favorite pasta is a great pairing. Try penne, fettuccini or even orzo.
- Crusty bread makes a fabulous, easy accompaniment, ideal for mopping up the sundried tomatoes and herb sauce.
Popular variations
- The dish can be baked or prepared in an air fryer, with sauce made separately and combined at the end.
- Stir in shrimp to make this a fabulous fish and seafood combo.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick.
- Add crushed red pepper for a little more heat.
- Add fresh parsley along with the fresh basil.
- Bulk out the dish with vegetables such as broccoli.
Substitutions
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for a different flavor in the sauce.
- If you can't find fresh garlic cloves, replace them with garlic powder.
- Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer.
- You can replace the cheddar with grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.

Why is it called "marry me salmon"?
The "Marry Me" label was coined by food editors at Delish after tasting a Tuscan chicken dish that was deemed proposal-worthy.
Can you use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Fresh salmon is best. Defrost frozen salmon fillets before using them.
What's better, farmed salmon or wild salmon?
Wild salmon has a lower fat content and higher nutrient content. It's also completely free from any potentially harmful antibiotics, making it the cleaner option.
On the other hand, with dwindling numbers of wild salmon, farmed salmon is by far the more sustainable and affordable option.
What spices enhance salmon's flavor?
Smoked paprika and black pepper are two fantastic spices that enhance the flavor of salmon. Garlic, coriander, Italian seasoning and dill are also excellent flavor enhancers.
How long does it take to cook salmon?
Salmon cooks quickly – it only takes about five minutes to pan sear a fillet of salmon until medium rare. This recipe calls for the salmon to be pan seared before slowly cooking in a creamy sauce. This makes it even more tender and delicious.
How do you know when salmon is cooked?
When the meat of the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. If you have a thermometer, cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
How do you store marry me salmon?
Leftover marry me salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-4 days.
More salmon recipes
Are you in a swoon over this salmon recipe? Here are a few more for you to fall in love with:
- Teriyaki salmon – wonderfully tender salmon drizzled with homemade teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds is a rich treat, perfect for a quick lunch or a special midweek dinner.
- Smoked salmon dip – take your appetizer to the next level with this delicious smoked salmon dip. It's the perfect blend of smoky salmon and creamy texture, ideal for dipping your crudités or artisan crackers.
- Salmon terrine – a classic appetizer that layers creamy, rich ingredients into a beautifully presented dish. A classic choice for Christmas and other special occasions
- Air fryer salmon bites – taking only 15 minutes to prepare, this dish offers a quick and delicious treat.
📖 Recipe
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Marry Me Salmon with tender, flaky fillets simmered in a rich cheesy sauce. Elegant, comforting and ready in minutes for an irresistible dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon filets (about 1 ¼ lb total)
- 2 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped or thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Freshly chopped basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush olive oil over them and rub evenly over the fish. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, pressing gently so the spice mixture sticks.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon, seasoned side down, and sear for about 3 minutes until nicely golden with a crispy exterior. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the fresh minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk the cream sauce continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, and the cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Cook on a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until the salmon is warmed through. Remove from the heat and finish with chopped basil and a squeeze of the remaining lemon juice.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 486.1 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 13.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol: 61.6 mg





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