Description
A quick and flavorful one skillet salmon dish featuring pan-seared salmon fillets served atop lemony orzo pasta cooked with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This easy all-in-one meal combines protein, greens, and creamy orzo for a satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 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
To Serve
- freshly ground black pepper – for serving
- chili flakes – for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the salmon with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked and browned. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, then add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Then add lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Add more broth if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as desired.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the salmon through.
- Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes over the dish before serving. Enjoy your delicious one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness; adjust seasoning at the end.
- Toast the orzo before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor.
- If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash more broth as needed.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
