MARRY ME SALMON PASTA (VIRAL CREAMY TOMATO RECIPE)
Marry Me Salmon Pasta is a viral sensation featuring pan-seared salmon in a luscious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with tender pasta. Rich, flavorful, and romantic — this 30-minute meal will earn you a proposal!
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
For the Salmon Pasta:
- 1 lb salmon fillets skinless, cut into 4 portions
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
Season Salmon:
- Season salmon fillets on both sides with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and paprika.
Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear Salmon:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove salmon and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Add Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta and fresh basil to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
Add Salmon:
- Flake salmon into large chunks or place whole fillets on top of the pasta. Gently toss or serve salmon on top.
Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream before adding pasta. Salmon is best fresh but can be cooked ahead and reheated gently.
- Variations: Use shrimp or chicken instead of salmon. Add spinach or roasted red peppers. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Pair with garlic bread and a side salad. Perfect for date night, Valentine's Day, or anniversaries.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta. Use dairy-free cream and Parmesan for dairy-free. Omit red pepper flakes for low-spice version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth. Not recommended for freezing (cream sauce may separate).