Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Salmon Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This marry me salmon recipe earns its name for a reason – it’s so incredibly delicious, it might just inspire a proposal. Featuring flaky salmon bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is truly irresistible. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Salmon

• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to endless dishes! This entire marry me salmon recipe cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick Dinner: From start to finish, you can have this amazing meal on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Irresistibly Creamy: The rich, savory sauce is the star of the show, coating every bite of salmon with incredible flavor.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Impressive Yet Simple: This dish looks elegant enough for guests but is incredibly easy for any beginner cook to master.
• Healthy & Flavorful: Salmon is packed with beneficial Omega-3s, making this a nutritious and delicious choice.

Ingredients

To create this wonderful marry me salmon recipe, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors of the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked salmon.

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
• 4 salmon fillets (4 oz / 115 grams each)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp all purpose flour (8 grams)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (1 gram)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (0.50 grams)
• 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika (1.25 grams)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (0.65 grams)
• 1 cup low fat milk (240 ml)
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth (180 ml)
• 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes packed in oil (55 grams)
• 2 tbsp grated Manchego cheese (15 grams)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (5 grams)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (10 ml)
• sea salt & black pepper
• lemon wedges & chopped parsley for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

• Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets always work best, but you can use frozen ones if thawed completely and patted dry. Skin-on helps keep the fish moist and crispy, but skinless is also fine.
• Dairy: For an even richer sauce, substitute heavy cream for low-fat milk. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Broth: Chicken broth or even a splash of dry white wine can replace vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp white cheddar will work wonderfully in place of Manchego cheese.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your desired level of heat. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before chopping.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized equipment for this amazing marry me salmon recipe. Gather these essentials to get started:

• A large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan (10-12 inches)
• Cutting board and a sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or a fish spatula
• A whisk for the sauce

Instructions

This marry me salmon recipe is designed for simplicity. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

1. Prepare Salmon: Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. In the meantime, place the salmon fillets on paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper. This step is crucial for crispy skin and flavorful fish.
2. Sear Salmon: Once the pan is hot, carefully add the seasoned salmon fillets in a single layer, skin side down. Cook for 3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is just cooked through and the skin is wonderfully crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
3. Remove Salmon: Gently transfer the cooked salmon fillets from the pan to a clean plate. Set them aside while you prepare the incredibly flavorful sauce. This prevents the salmon from overcooking.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pan and maintaining the medium heat, add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté, mixing continuously, for about 3 minutes until the onions become slightly translucent and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base for your creamy sauce.
5. Thicken Sauce Base: Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue to mix continuously for 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps to create a smooth, thick sauce.
6. Add Spices & Liquids: Quickly mix in the dried oregano, dried thyme, sweet smoked Spanish paprika, and crushed red pepper. Immediately pour in the milk and vegetable broth. Continue to gently whisk and mix the sauce ingredients together for a couple of minutes until well combined.
7. Finish Sauce: After about 5 minutes, the sauce will have thickened to a slightly creamy consistency. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Manchego cheese, fresh basil, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
8. Reintroduce Salmon: Gently nest the seared salmon fillets back into the pan, placing them in a single layer within the creamy sauce. Lower the heat to a low simmer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the salmon is heated through and absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor.
9. Garnish & Serve: Serve this delightful marry me salmon recipe directly out of the pan. Garnish generously with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Perfect Salmon Doneness: Salmon is best when cooked to medium, flaky but still moist. Avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. A good indicator is when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Crispy Skin Secret: Always start cooking salmon skin-side down in a hot pan. Do not move it for the first few minutes to allow the skin to crisp up. Patting it very dry also helps achieve that perfect crunch.
• Flavor Boosters: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after removing the salmon for an extra layer of flavor. Always use fresh herbs for garnishing; they make a big difference.
• Achieving Creamy Sauce: Whisk continuously when adding the flour and liquids to prevent lumps. Simmer gently to allow the sauce to thicken gradually.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water).
• Common Mistakes: Not patting salmon dry leads to less crispy skin. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and steams the fish instead of searing it.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile marry me salmon recipe pairs beautifully with many sides and adapts well to different tastes.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Serve alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy white rice, couscous, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Complement the rich salmon with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or other roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the amazing creamy sauce.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover marry me salmon recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: While best eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. The sauce texture might change slightly upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the salmon.

Variations

• Protein Swaps: This creamy sauce is also fantastic with pan-seared chicken breasts, shrimp, or even flaky cod fillets.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in fresh spinach or baby kale during the last few minutes of simmering, or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers with the onions.
• Spice Profile: Experiment with different dried herbs like rosemary or a pinch of Italian seasoning. A touch of smoked paprika adds depth.
• Cheese Options: Instead of Manchego, try grated mozzarella for a melty texture, a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness, or crumbled goat cheese for tang.

Nutrition Information

Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This marry me salmon recipe provides a good source of protein and healthy fats.

This dish is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Many health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, recommend regular consumption of fish high in omega-3s for cardiovascular well-being.

FAQ

• What makes it “Marry Me Salmon”? The name comes from how incredibly delicious and impressive the dish is. It’s often said that it’s so good, whoever eats it might just want to propose!
• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before seasoning and searing.
• How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner? For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry. To thin it out, simply add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? As written, this marry me salmon recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can easily substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for the flour to make it GF.
• Can I prepare components ahead of time? You can chop your onion and garlic, and measure out your spices in advance. However, the salmon and sauce are best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Salmon Recipe truly lives up to its hype. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create an extraordinary meal. With its tender, flaky salmon and rich, velvety sauce, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a dining experience that feels both indulgent and comforting. So go ahead, give this impressive yet incredibly beginner-friendly recipe a try tonight. We know you’ll love it, and we can’t wait to hear how this delightful meal brings joy to your table!

Creamy One-Pan Marry Me Salmon Recipe

This creamy one-pan salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets nestled in a rich sauce made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
• 4 salmon fillets (4 oz / 115 grams each)
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp all purpose flour (8 grams)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (1 gram)
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme (0.50 grams)
• 0.5 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika (1.25 grams)
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper (0.65 grams)
• 1 cup low fat milk (240 ml)
• 0.75 cup vegetable broth (180 ml)
• 0.5 cup sundried tomatoes chopped, packed in oil (55 grams)
• 2 tbsp Manchego cheese grated (15 grams)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped (5 grams)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (10 ml)
• sea salt & black pepper
• lemon wedges & chopped parsley for garnish

Garnish

Equipment

• Large Fry Pan
• Paper Towels
• Knife

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large fry pan over medium heat.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Sear salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the hot pan for 3 minutes per side until cooked, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in flour for 2 minutes, then add oregano, thyme, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth, mixing for a few minutes.
5. Once the sauce thickens, add sundried tomatoes, grated cheese, basil, and lemon juice. Return salmon to the pan, lower heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve directly from the pan, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

Notes

For best results, ensure your salmon fillets are completely dry before searing to achieve a crispy skin. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper for your preferred level of spice.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com