This Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is rich, indulgent, and restaurant-quality.

The golden seared salmon fillets are bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, making it a dish that impresses every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pan recipe that comes together in 30 minutes.

The creamy garlic butter sauce is flavorful and comforting.

It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or bread to soak up every drop.

It’s impressive enough for date nights yet simple for weeknights.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Salmon fillets are the star, providing healthy protein and rich flavor.

Garlic adds the essential aroma and depth to the sauce.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring tangy, sweet intensity.

Heavy cream and Parmesan create the luscious, cheesy cream sauce.

Italian herbs and red pepper flakes give warmth and a savory kick.

Fresh basil or parsley makes a bright finishing touch.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pat salmon very dry before searing to achieve a golden crust.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.

Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling.

How to Make Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1 – Season the salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Sear the salmon

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to preference. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3 – Sauté the garlic

Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4 – Add tomatoes and herbs

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

Cook briefly to release flavor.

Step 5 – Make the creamy sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Parmesan and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6 – Return the salmon

Nestle salmon fillets back into the pan.

Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer for 2 minutes until warmed through.

Step 7 – Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

What to Serve It With

Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

A side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Steamed rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Variations / Substitutions

Use chicken breast or thighs instead of salmon for a different protein.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.

Use fresh cherry tomatoes if sun-dried are unavailable.

Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.

Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce can split when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What’s the best skillet for this recipe?
A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works best for searing salmon.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

How do I know the salmon is cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding cream for extra flavor.

What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or simple roasted veggies complement it well.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

With its velvety sauce and golden salmon, it feels luxurious but is easy enough for a quick dinner.

Perfect for family meals, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself.