Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon with lemon orzo recipe that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with creamy, flavorful orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a quick, wholesome meal featuring tender salmon, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon-parmesan finish.
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
For Serving
- freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Salmon: Season salmon fillets evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and sauté minced garlic and finely chopped yellow onion until fragrant and translucent. Stir in dried thyme, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast it in the skillet, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is almost tender but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach, Lemon, and Parmesan: Stir in fresh baby spinach, juice from ½ a lemon, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the spinach wilts and cheese melts through the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return Salmon and Heat Through: Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Cover and cook gently on low heat for 2-3 minutes to warm the salmon through and let flavors meld.
- Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the dish to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels; you can substitute vegetable broth for a pescatarian option.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese.
- Ensure the salmon fillets are evenly sized for consistent cooking time.
- Orzo can quickly overcook; keep a close eye and test doneness to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust chili flakes according to spice preference or omit if avoiding heat.
