Marry Me Salmon

Total Time Prep: 10 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but this is the only (Marry Me) salmon recipe you'll ever need.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound salmon fillets, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup julienned oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 package (8 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup cooked orzo pasta, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and garlic powder. Coat salmon fillets with spice mixture.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salmon, skin-side down; cook until skin is crispy, 4-5 minutes. Flip; cook another 2-3 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a filet reaches 145°. Remove to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium; add butter and shallot. Cook until shallot is softened, 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Stir in flour; cook until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in broth; bring to a simmer. Add sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; cook until thickened, 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream, milk, cream cheese, Parmesan, spinach and basil. Cook until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes. Stir in cooked orzo, if using.
  6. Return salmon to the skillet; cook until warmed through. Garnish with basil to serve.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 698 calories, 55g fat (25g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 1387mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.

© 2026 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC