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The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

July 22, 2025
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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This Tuscan Marry Me Salmon features pan-seared fillets in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce—easy, elegant, and ready in just 45 minutes TOTAL!

The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

Fall in love at first bite with this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon—a restaurant-quality dish made right at home in just 45 minutes TOTAL! Flaky oven-roasted salmon fillets are smothered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and herbs, creating an irresistible blend of bold Tuscan flavors. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy—with just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re planning date night, a cozy dinner party, or an elevated weeknight meal, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easy to make dairy-free, meatless, or gluten-free for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing option!

Up close shot of The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon with gnocchi in a skillet.

Craving something a bit fancier at home, but easy to whip together? I can't recommend this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon which is THE best! Let me introduce you to a luscious, velvety, bold in flavor recipe that the entire family will love. It's not only delicious but also perfect for any season, and it'll be on your plate in just 45 minutes TOTAL! Trust me, this seafood dinner idea is seriously SO WORTH IT!

And let's talk about versatility --- It's rich and flavorful and still light enough for summer cooking. I personally LOVE mixing it with orzo or some gnocchi, but feel free to get creative! Whether you're serving it with another type of pastaricequinoa, or tossing in some greens like asparagus or brussels sprouts, you're in for a treat.

If you're up for some more delicious seafood options, you've gotta check out my Ultimate Cajun Seafood GumboCajun Seafood BoilCreamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with PappardelleBBQ Jerk Lobster + Garlic Herb Orzo, or my fave, Easy Blackened Salmon Sliders. They're all winners for a tasty dinner rotation. Give 'em a try next—you won't regret it!

Jump to:

Why You Will LOVE This Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

  • The creamy, velvety Tuscan sauce will have you swooning in-between bites!
  • Easy to make + brimming with all the savory salmon boldness + flavor!
  • Ready in just 45 minutes TOTAL, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without the hassle.
  • Offers dairy-free + meatless options
  • A crowd-pleaser that will become a weekly favorite
  • And just absolutely wholesome and perfect for any kind of weather.

What Inspired this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon Recipe?

OK, so you're probably wondering why this dish is called Marry Me Salmon, right? I know. Honestly, based on my research, this was a TikTok recipe (for Marry Me Chicken) that went viral and apparently once you eat it, it'll make someone want to marry you. Haha. However, I can totally understand why this concept came to life because it literally is THAT GOOD! Of course, I had to put my own spin on it and added a bit of additional flavors (Tuscan herbs + spices) and switched it up with salmon instead of chicken, which was the perfect fit.

Roasted salmon fillets on a baking griddle with a fork.

What is Tuscan Marry Me Salmon Made of?

You're guaranteed to fall in complete love with this Marry Me Salmon recipe---trust me! Traditionally, Marry Me Chicken consists of chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and basil. However, for this Marry Me Salmon recipe, I chose to add a nice Tuscan-style twist to things by adding a homemade tuscan blend, garlic, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, tomato paste, cooking wine, and salmon, for a rich, flavorful main course.

How to Make The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

This is a very simple recipe, but it does have three components: sundried tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes or herb roasted tomatoes), homemade Tuscan blend, and the salmon itself. Cooking Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Salmon is generally an easy process—in total about 45 minutes. You first start by lightly rinsing and patting dry the salmon fillets to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to add a teaspoon of vinegar to further rinse clean along with cold water.

Once your salmon is clean and dry, then it’s seasoning time! I’m all about seasoning every “layer” of my food, therefore, the salmon gets direct seasoning and so does the sauce. Prep a baking sheet and roast the seasoned salmon until flaky.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and once fully heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add in the remaining ingredients and bring everything to a simmer until the salmon becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Wallah!

Ingredients

The ingredients for this creamy salmon dish are important for developing the right flavor notes. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Salmon. I like to use wild-caught Sockeye salmon for a tastier flavor. However, you can use Atlantic salmon.
  • Olive oil. Extra fat to this dish that adds additional flavor.
  • Garlic. I recommend fresh, but you could use ½ teaspoon granulated garlic.
  • Tuscan seasonings. You can purchase my Tuscan Marry Me Blend for great ease and authentic feel or make your own homemade blend.
  • Parmesan cheese. You could also use pecorino romano. For a vegan option, dairy-free cheese shreds tastes great.
  • Tomatoes. You can use sundried tomatoes or add as many tomatoes as you'd like to fill this dish. I used grape tomatoes, however, heirlooms, roma, etc. works too! Just chop them up into nice bite-sized pieces or make your own roasted tomatoes.
  • Tomato paste. This adds additional flavor + color to the dish.
  • Vegetable or Seafood stock. Use low-sodium store-bought or make your own. You can also use chicken stock if desired.
  • Heavy cream. I recommend organic–always! You can sub with full-fat coconut milk/cream for a DF option!
  • White wine. Choose a dry wine that you like the taste of. You can omit and sub with more stock.
  • Lemon juice. You can use store-bought or freshly-squeeze juice from an actual lemon.
  • Kale. Use fresh for best results, but frozen also works! Ensure that it’s chopped.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS DISH!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon recipe. Everything from my fave cast iron pans, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon in a red skillet with a spoon being held by woman hands.

What Is Sockeye Salmon?

Sockeye Salmon is also known as Kokanee salmon and sometimes just called red salmon. It is a wild Pacific fish that is a little bit smaller than most other types of salmon. Sockeye salmon has a very rich texture and tons of flavor. The meat of a sockeye salmon is lower in fat than farmed salmon and it is higher in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Sockeye vs Atlantic Salmon

The main difference between the two: Wild sockeye salmon develop their robust qualities in a vast marine ecosystem, swimming thousands of miles over a lifetime in an epic hunt for food. This is in stark contrast to farm-raised Atlantic salmon, who are typically confined to a net pen — often situated in polluted, coastal waters — where they’re fed engineered pellets that can never truly replace a wild diet.

Of course, the other difference is in their taste: Atlantic salmon is less tasteful than Sockeye salmon and doesn't pack as much of a punch. Overall, Sockeye has more of a crab-like taste to it and is often considered firm in texture.

Can Sockeye Salmon Be Cooked From Frozen?

Yes! You can actually put your wild salmon right into the oven from the freezer. Add about 8-10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature of the fish. I also like to loosely cover the salmon when baking from frozen, tenting it with foil to trap the moisture as it cooks a little longer.

How To Shop For Fresh Sockeye Salmon

I have a little secret for you about seafood: It is almost always frozen immediately after being caught. Freezing fish either right on the fishing boat or at the docks helps kill bacteria and prevent the delicate fish from spoilage. Even the "fresh" fish in the grocery store has usually been frozen and then thawed. So, unless you are lucky enough to live near a sockeye salmon breeding ground, you should skip the "fresh" fish section in your grocery store and go straight to the freezer section for your fish. The frozen sockeye salmon in the grocery store will cost less and it will be the same, high quality.

What White Wine is Best in Marry Salmon?

I tend to use a lot of white cooking wine, which is easiest for me. However, I do occasionally add quality white wine to my dishes and I recommend using a dry white wine.

A dry white wine will add the right amount of acidity rather than sweetness, which will better compliment your dish like this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon. In general, any of the following dry white wines work great in this dish:

Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and dry sparkling wines.

Homemade Tuscan Seasoning Blend

Sure, you can find pre-made seasoning blends at the grocery store or grab a few bottles of my Tuscan Marry Me Blend (for the best authentic flavor). But there's nothing like the fresh, customized flavor you get by making your own blend. The herbs and spices in the Tuscan spice mix for this recipe are inspired by the fresh herbs that grow in Italy, mixed with a bit of heat from smoked paprika. See the recipe notes for ingredients!

You can Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Use it on anything from simple roasted vegetables to salad dressing to herb oil for dipping bread.

Meatless Options for this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

While this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon is perfect as is---I definitely wanted to give options for those of you who don't eat meat or just might make this dish more than once and want to switch things up with a meatless option from time to time! Here are a few great ingredients that you can substitute with the salmon in this creamy dish.

Other ingredient ideas include:

  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Beans (like White beans, Kidney beans, etc.) ---You'll love my Tuscan 'Marry Me' Butter Beans recipe!
  • Mushrooms
  • Tofu or Tempeh
  • Cauliflower
  • Roasted veggies (like Broccoli, Asparagus, Cabbage, etc.)
  • Vegan meatballs
  • Jackfruit
  • Other plant-based meat alternatives (store-bought)
The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon in a skillet with garnish and plates.

Tips for Cooking the Best Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

Pat the Salmon Dry for a Perfect Sear: Before roasting, pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them develop a golden, crispy crust without getting too mushy in the oven.

Use Skin-On Salmon for More Flavor: Cooking salmon with the skin on not only adds flavor but also helps the fillet hold its shape while cooking. You can always remove the skin before serving if preferred.

Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly! Roast for 10-15 minutes on high temperatures, depending on thickness, until it’s just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Add it in the skillet after making the sauce to create a moistness + tenderness.

Sauté Garlic and Shallots First for Depth: Start your sauce base by gently sautéing minced garlic and shallots (if using) in olive oil or butter. This builds deep flavor before adding the cream and sun-dried tomatoes.

Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil for Richness: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes bring more flavor and richness than the dry version. Chop them finely (if preferred) and let them infuse the sauce for that signature Tuscan taste.

Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan adds nutty, salty depth to the cream sauce. If dairy-free, use a quality plant-based parmesan-style cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful. Add EXTRA if your heart desires!

Add Greens Last to Keep It Vibrant: Stir in fresh or frozen greens like kale or spinach at the very end so it wilts gently without overcooking, preserving its bright green color and tender bite.

Balance the Creaminess: If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water (if serving with pasta). If too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Let the Salmon Rest in the Sauce: When returning the salmon fillets to the skillet after the sauce is made, letting them soak up all that creamy Tuscan flavor for a few minutes in the simmering before serving.

Customize the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or keep it mild for a more family-friendly version. Either way, this dish is full of bold, crave-worthy flavor!

Herb Roasted Tomatoes

The herb-roasted tomatoes offer a delicious umami-packed flavor foundation for the creamy chicken dish.

You can make them ahead of time in the oven, then keep the tomatoes in the fridge unit you're ready to make the salmon. They'll stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container.

The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon in a skillet with gnocchi.

What Can I use Instead of Sundried Tomatoes?

If you aren't the biggest fan of sundried tomatoes or just don't have them on hand, here are a few great alternatives for you to choose from so that you can still enjoy this delicious creamy salmon dish:

What To Eat With Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

Pair your Tuscan Marry Me Salmon with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. Whether it's pasta (Any size + shape --including oh-so-delicious gnocchi will work) fluffy rice, or quinoa or mashed potatoes or Southern grits---- They provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the luscious sauce.

You can also try it with some sautéed greens or roasted veggies for a lighter option. Don't forget some crusty bread on the side to mop up every last bit of that creamy goodness. And if you're feeling fancy, whip up a quick salad for a refreshing contrast. There are endless ways to enjoy this dish, so get creative and dig in.

Common Q + A's for The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

How to best store + reheat leftovers?

Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, it's best when done in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. You'll need to add a bit of heavy cream or veggie/seafood stock to re-create the creaminess of the sauce when heating it up. Stir in the added liquid and it should become creamy again. 

Do I have to use kale?

Nope! To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus. 

Can I make this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! To make this sauce dairy-free, simply swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. 

Can I make this Marry Me Salmon Vegan or Meatless?

Yes! You can make my Tuscan 'Marry Me' Butter Beans for a great meatless option. Read the blog post for this Salmon recipe for other meatless options.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Of course! To make this Tuscan Marry Salmon gluten-free, simply substitute the gnocchi for a GF-friendly version or any GF-friendly pasta. You can also enjoy this with a side of quinoa! Also, ensure that other ingredients (like veggie or seafood stock, heavy cream, etc.) are GF-friendly.

How do I fix a sauce that’s too thin or watery?

If your sauce turns out too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in more grated parmesan or a splash of heavy cream to help it tighten up.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries! You can substitute roasted red peppers, roasted herb tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or even tomato paste for a different twist. However, sun-dried tomatoes in oil bring the classic bold Tuscan flavor—so if possible, use them!

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen fish can prevent a good sear and make the sauce watery.

What protein can I substitute for salmon?

This creamy Tuscan sauce works beautifully with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Just adjust cook times accordingly and ensure your protein is cooked through before adding it back to the sauce.

Why is my sauce separating?

This can happen if the sauce boils too hard or isn’t whisked while adding cream. Keep the heat at a low simmer when stirring in dairy, and avoid high heat once the cream is added.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the creamy Tuscan sauce (minus the salmon) 1–2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just gently reheat and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much before serving with freshly cooked salmon.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While the salmon itself can freeze well, the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon in a skillet with a spoon.

More Delicious Tuscan + Marry Me Dinner Ideas

If you are a fan of this Tuscan Marry Me Salmon, then you’ll most certainly enjoy the following similarly flavored dinner options:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon with gnocchi in a skillet.

The Best Tuscan Marry Me Salmon

July 22, 2025
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This Tuscan Marry Me Salmon features pan-seared fillets in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce—easy, elegant, and ready in just 45 minutes TOTAL!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

SALMON:

  • 4 (4-6 ounces) wild-caught Sockeye salmon
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsps Tuscan Marry Me blend  (You can purchase my Marry Me Blend for authentic flavor or make this homemade as well---See Notes)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

TUSCAN MARRY ME SAUCE:

  • 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil (You can sub with 1-2 Tbsps of unsalted or salted butter for extra flavor)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (You can also use 1 shallot in addition, if desired)
  • 3 Tbsps tomato paste, organic
  • 5-6 sundried tomatoes, chopped (You can also sub with grape or cherry tomatoes or roasted herb tomatoes, if desired)
  • 1-2 Tbsps Tuscan Marry Me blend  (You can purchase my Marry Me Blend for authentic flavor or make this homemade as well---See Notes)
  • sea salt, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
  • 1 cup organic vegetable or seafood stock (You can also use chicken stock, if desired)
  • 3 Tbsps white cooking wine
  • ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed
  • 1 cup organic kale, chopped
  • 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan (Plus more, if desired)

Instructions

ROAST THE SALMON:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add your rinsed and patted dry salmon fillets onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil, Tuscan Marry Me Blend, and salt, rubbing everything atop salmon until completely coated. Roast (on the top rack) for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through. NOTE: When done, salmon should "flake apart" when touched gently.

TO MAKE THE CREAMY TUSCAN MARRY ME SAUCE:

  • In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat, add the olive oil until heated. Add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add in 1-2 Tbsps tuscan blend seasonings and salt and stir until well combined. Add in the tomato paste and sundried tomatoes, stirring until combined.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream, veggie or seafood stock, lemon juice, and white wine, stirring until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the chopped kale, stirring until combined and add the roasted salmon fillets. Let everything simmer for 5-6 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the salmon is tender. NOTE: If you're using gnocchi, you'll add them in with the salmon at this point and allow them to cook + get tender after about 4-5 minutes.
  • Stir the sauce occasionally and spoon it unto the salmon as they continue to cook.
  • Remove from heat once done.
  • To serve, enjoy the Tuscan Marry Me Salmon with your favorite side (i.e. gnocchi, Basmati rice, Coconut rice, pasta, veggies, etc.). Garnish with a bit of grated parmesan (for extra cheesy flavor), if desired.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, it's best when done in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. You'll need to add a bit of heavy cream or veggie/seafood stock to re-create the creaminess of the sauce when heating it up. Stir in the added liquid and it should become creamy again. 
  • COMMON RECIPE TIPS + CONCERNS: See FAQ section!
  • GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus. 
  • TUSCAN SEASONING (STORAGE): Any leftover tuscan blend seasoning can be stored in a ziplock bag or jar for later use or used as garnish. 
  • GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: See FAQ section for details!
  • DAIRY-FREE OPTION: See FAQ section for details!
  • VEGAN + MEATLESS OPTION: You can make my Tuscan 'Marry Me' Butter Beans for a great meatless option. To see more vegan + meat alternatives for this dish, read the Blog Post!
  • HERB ROASTED TOMATOES: For extra flavor and taste, you can roast your tomatoes by following my Herb Roasted Tomatoes
  • HOMEMADE TUSCAN BLEND: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 tsps dried parsley, 2 tsps dried basil, 2 tsps dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, + 2 bay leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 1075kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 52g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 2290mg | Potassium: 791mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4522IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 621mg | Iron: 2mg

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