First Step: SEAR THE SALMON

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will help the salmon achieve a crisp, flavorful crust while cooking.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the salmon fillets to the pan. Don’t crowd the pan; if necessary, cook the fillets in batches.
3. Cook the Salmon: Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You want a crispy golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you prefer your salmon well done, you can cook it a bit longer. Once done, transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

Second Step: MAKE THE CREAMY SAUCE

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soften and infuse the sauce with their tangy flavor.
3. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to combine. If you like more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes at this stage.
4. Create the Creamy Texture: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the Parmesan and Lemon Juice: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The lemon juice will add a nice, bright contrast to the richness of the cream and cheese.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference. If the sauce feels too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Third Step: COMBINE AND SERVE

1. Return the Salmon to the Skillet: Once the sauce is ready, carefully place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top of the salmon, ensuring each fillet is generously coated with the creamy mixture. Let the salmon simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Garnish: Once everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra pop of flavor.
3. Serve: Serve the Marry Me Salmon hot, with your favorite side dishes. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.