If you have been searching for a dish that’s not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, you absolutely must try the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This delightful salmon dinner boasts tender, perfectly baked fish coated in a fragrant spice rub, served alongside a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that is so good it just might inspire a proposal. It’s the kind of meal that feels elegant yet endlessly comforting, turning an everyday dinner into a special occasion without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white dishes and bowls with different ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there are four pieces of fresh orange salmon with white lines placed on white paper. Around the salmon, there are small dishes containing coarse salt, ground black pepper, red chili flakes, minced garlic, mustard, dried herbs, broth or vinegar, a yellow liquid likely olive oil, and some brown powder spices. On the left side, there is a bunch of fresh green basil leaves and a glass jar filled with a white creamy sauce. In the middle, there is a bowl filled with bright red sun-dried tomatoes and a bowl with shredded white cheese. The photo has a clean and organized look, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect combination of taste, texture, and color. From the rich creaminess of heavy cream to the tangy chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, every element enhances the final dish beautifully.

Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the salmon to bring out its natural flavor and balance the sauce.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the spice rub, creating a wonderful contrast with the savory elements.
Garlic powder: Infuses the salmon with warm, aromatic undertones that meld perfectly with fresh garlic in the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs providing depth and a Mediterranean flair throughout the dish.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Salmon fillets: The star protein, rich in omega-3s and tender when cooked to flaky perfection.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used both in preparing the salmon and cooking the sauce, delivering heart-healthy fat and flavor.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must-have for that signature aromatic punch in the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, decadent base of the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Chicken stock and “Better Than Bouillon” (or a bouillon cube): These add savory richness and depth to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Brings a nutty, salty element that enriches the sauce and finishes the dish beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes (jarred, drained, chopped): Their intense, slightly sweet tang is key to the sauce’s unforgettable flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced): Adds a fresh herbal brightness as a final garnish.
Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes (optional): Perfect vehicles for soaking up every luscious bit of sauce.

How to Make Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Spice Rub

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning your rack in the center. Then, in a small bowl, mix kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub that will beautifully complement the salmon’s richness.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush them generously with extra-virgin olive oil. Next, coat the fish evenly with the spice rub, ensuring every inch is covered. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor that makes the dish so irresistible.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon to Perfection

Bake the seasoned salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. The goal is tender, flaky fish that effortlessly pulls apart with a fork. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as the salmon will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.

Step 4: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

While the salmon is baking, focus on making the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, and your bouillon for a deeply savory base. Add half of the Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon — rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Discard the salmon skin and nestle the cooked fillets into the warm sauce right in the skillet. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh basil slices, and a few extra red pepper flakes if you desire more heat. This moment is about layering flavors and textures, making every bite a celebration.

How to Serve Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

A metal baking sheet holds four pieces of raw salmon fillets spread evenly in one row, each fillet having a light orange color with faint white lines of fat. A spoon held by a woman's hand sprinkles a coarse, crumb-like seasoning over the fillet on the far left. The baking sheet is placed on a white marbled surface, with a dish brush and a small white bowl of oil positioned to the left side. The overall scene shows a clean and simple prep step for cooking salmon, with a light coating of oil visible on the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and bright, herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance richness and provide a visually appealing finish.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or al dente pasta. Both choices soak up that incredible sun-dried tomato cream sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste and each bite is as satisfying as the last.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls to keep the salmon nestled in the luxurious sauce, creating an inviting, cozy presentation. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a burst of citrus brightness, or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for unexpected crunch and nuttiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover salmon and sauce should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to three days, making this recipe perfect for planned leftovers or quick lunches.

Freezing

While the salmon and sauce taste best fresh, you can freeze portions of the sauce alone for up to two months. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It’s best to store the fish separately if you decide to freeze it, as the texture can change upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking or curdling the cream. Add the salmon last and heat just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the salmon directly to keep it tender and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Fresh tomatoes won’t give the same concentrated sweetness and depth that sun-dried tomatoes provide, but you can simmer fresh tomatoes longer to reduce and intensify their flavor. However, using sun-dried tomatoes is highly recommended for that signature tang.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the chicken stock and bouillon product you choose do not contain gluten additives.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! Firm fish like cod or halibut can work well, although the cooking time may need adjustment. Salmon is preferred for its rich flavor and texture that complements the cream sauce perfectly.

What wine pairs well with the Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?

A crisp, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay balances the creamy sauce nicely. For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir also pairs beautifully without overpowering the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To create a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and opt for a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavors will shift slightly, but it can still be delicious and suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to whenever you want to enjoy a delicious, heartwarming salmon dinner.