Description
A simple and elegant one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo recipe. Pan-seared salmon is combined with creamy, lemony orzo, spinach, and Parmesan for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Season salmon with garlic powder, paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and onion; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is nearly al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in spinach; simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in lemon juice and Parmesan.
- Return salmon to the skillet; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish with black pepper and chili flakes.
Notes
- For a lighter flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or green peas with the orzo for more color.
- For a creamier texture, add a bit of butter or splash of cream before serving.
- Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice and adjust broth quantity and simmering time if avoiding pasta.
- Smoked paprika or Italian herbs can be used for seasoning variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
- Reheat orzo in a skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat, stirring gently.
- Reheat salmon separately to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in orzo and spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving