Name: Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488376H42M17S
Total time: PT-488376H42M17S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is a rich, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to impress—whether I’m cooking for someone special or just treating myself. With its perfectly seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is so irresistible, it might just earn me a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s elegant yet incredibly simple to make. The salmon is buttery and flaky, and the sauce is loaded with garlic, herbs, and a hint of tang from sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy enough for date night, but it comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes. I usually serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Salt and black pepper
Paprika (optional, for color)
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Chicken broth or dry white wine
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika on both sides.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the salmon, skin-side down first, for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove the salmon and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and melt butter. I add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then pour in the chicken broth (or wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits.
I add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
I return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top, letting it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
I finish by sprinkling with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I stir in baby spinach or chopped kale toward the end for a pop of green. I’ve also made this with shrimp or chicken instead of salmon, and the sauce works beautifully. For a tangier twist, I add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white balsamic vinegar to the sauce. If I’m watching dairy, I’ve used coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter (but still delicious) version.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the salmon. This dish isn’t great for freezing due to the cream, but it’s so good, I rarely have leftovers anyway.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” salmon?

Because it’s so rich and flavorful, the idea is that anyone who tastes it might want to marry the cook! It’s a playful name for a seriously delicious dish.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I use frozen salmon often. I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before searing.

Can I make this without cream?

I’ve made a lighter version with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, but the classic version with cream has the richest flavor and texture.

What sides go best with this dish?

I love serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Roasted veggies, sautéed spinach, or garlic bread also pair beautifully.

Can I use salmon with the skin on?

Yes, I sear it skin-side down first until crispy, then flip. The skin helps hold the fillet together and adds extra flavor if you like it crispy.

Conclusion

Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make. The creamy, garlicky sauce wrapped around tender salmon makes it unforgettable. Whether I’m cooking for guests, date night, or just because I deserve something delicious, this recipe always delivers.