Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and served over a creamy, lemony orzo mixed with baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, nutritious dinner cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt – divided
- 1 tsp coarsely ground 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
- chili flakes
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and black pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked and golden. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and black pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the pasta in the aromatics.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most broth is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. If needed, add more broth to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the seared salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Top the dish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a pescatarian option.
- Make sure to stir regularly during the orzo cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes amount according to your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
