Description
An irresistibly romantic salmon dish with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Perfect for date nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for those who love heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Sear the Salmon
- Season: Start by seasoning your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil until shimmering—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly moist in the center. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant—just enough to infuse the oil but not burn the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes: Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until heated through.
- Cream Time: Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy, taking about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Simmer
- Marry Together: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the luscious sauce over each piece.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is reheated and the sauce thickens slightly. You want it creamy without being too thick; keep a close eye!
Garnish and Serve
- Finishing Touches: Top the dish with fresh basil and serve it with zesty lemon wedges on the side. The lemon brightens the dish beautifully!
Notes
- For lighter version: substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared 1 day in advance
- Serving suggestions: Over pasta, risotto, or with crusty bread
- Storage: Keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
