They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and if that’s true, this salmon might just seal the deal. Perfectly seared salmon fillets swimming in a creamy garlic, lemon, and herb sauce—this dish is indulgent without being complicated. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
I first made this recipe on a weeknight when I was short on time but wanted something that felt a little special. By the time the sauce was bubbling away and the salmon went back into the pan, the kitchen smelled like a fancy restaurant. Everyone at the table took one bite and immediately asked for seconds. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.
Why This Salmon Is Worth Making
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Fast but impressive: It cooks in under 30 minutes but looks and tastes like you fussed all evening.
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That sauce: Creamy, garlicky, lemony, and herby—it’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to spoon over rice, pasta, or even roasted veggies.
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Family-friendly: The spice level is just right, but you can adjust it to suit your crowd.
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Flexible: Works for a romantic date-night dinner or just as easily for a busy weeknight with the kids.
The Salmon
The fish itself is simple—just seasoned and seared until golden. The key is starting with a hot pan so you get that gorgeous crust.
Marinade ingredients:
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Olive oil
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Italian seasoning
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Salt
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Garlic powder
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Oregano
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Black pepper
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Red pepper flakes
How I do it:
I drizzle the salmon generously with olive oil, sprinkle on the seasonings, and let it sit while the pan heats. Then, I sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until it’s crisp outside and tender inside. After that, I set the fillets aside while I work on the sauce.
The Creamy Sauce
This sauce is the star of the show. Butter, garlic, cream, lemon, and herbs—it’s rich without being too heavy, and it clings beautifully to the salmon.
Ingredients you’ll need:
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Unsalted butter
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Garlic
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Heavy cream
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Chicken broth
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Lemon juice
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Cream cheese
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Parmesan
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley and basil
How I make it:
After the salmon is seared, I add butter and garlic to the same pan. Once fragrant, I stir in cream, broth, lemon juice, cream cheese, parmesan, and seasonings. A quick simmer brings it all together into a velvety sauce. At the very end, I add fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Then the salmon goes back into the pan, gets coated in the sauce, and it’s ready to serve.
Tips and Variations
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Don’t overcook the salmon: Keep an eye on it—salmon goes from tender to dry pretty quickly. I usually look for it to flake easily with a fork.
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Make it spicy: Add a little extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
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Try other proteins: This sauce is incredible with chicken or shrimp if you want to mix it up.
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Serving ideas: Spoon the salmon and sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. I’ve even served it with crusty bread to mop up every last drop.
Storing and Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Salmon doesn’t freeze as gracefully as chicken, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months if needed. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
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Reheat: Low heat on the stovetop works best. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs About Marry Me Salmon
Can I use salmon with the skin on?
Yes! Just sear it skin-side down first to crisp it up, then flip. You can either serve it with the skin or remove it before adding to the sauce.
What type of salmon works best?
I like fresh Atlantic or sockeye salmon fillets. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge. Reheat it gently and add freshly cooked salmon before serving.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half will work, though the sauce won’t be as rich. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option with a slightly different flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, 125°F–130°F gives you tender, juicy salmon.
Marry Me Salmon
This Marry Me Salmon is creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Cream Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- ½–¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle on Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, coating all sides evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon and sear until golden and crisp on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to low to allow the centers to cook through. Remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice, whisking as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until the sauce thickens to a silky texture. Season with a little salt and pepper as needed, then fold in the fresh basil and parsley.
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Let them warm in the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1212Total Fat 90gSaturated Fat 34gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 49gCholesterol 343mgSodium 1498mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 89g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Marry Me Salmon is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like a celebration. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly quick to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, a special someone, or just treating yourself, this dish has that “wow” factor that makes it unforgettable.
