Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned and seared to perfection, then combined with garlic-infused orzo pasta cooked in chicken broth. Finished with fresh spinach, tangy lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a harmonious balance of flavor and nutrition all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly on both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to ensure balanced flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Toast Orzo: Sprinkle in the dried thyme along with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, until it is almost fully cooked, approximately 8 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet, and simmer everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the salmon through and combine flavors.
- Serve: Plate the orzo and salmon, then garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes according to your taste preferences. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and let the other seasonings shine.
- If you prefer a creamier orzo, stir in a splash of cream or additional butter just before serving.
- Ensure salmon fillets are close to room temperature before cooking to promote even searing.
- For a pescatarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
