Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection and nestled atop a bed of tender orzo pasta cooked with aromatic garlic, onion, spinach, and bright lemon juice. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish, making this one-pan meal both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Grate the Parmesan cheese, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and black pepper.
- Searing Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets carefully and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cooking Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Preparing Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for approximately 8 minutes or until orzo is nearly al dente.
- Combining Ingredients: Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly. Adjust broth quantity if needed for desired consistency.
- Finishing Dish: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste.
Notes
- You can substitute the salmon with chicken or shrimp for variation.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- To make it dairy-free, swap butter with extra olive oil.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
