Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a delicious, quick, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection, then combined with creamy, lemony orzo pasta and fresh baby spinach, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
Cheese and Garnishes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Chili flakes, for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and season the salmon fillets with half of the salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder evenly on both sides.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and unsalted butter. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the dried thyme, then add the orzo pasta and toast it by stirring for 1 minute.
- Cook orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and is tender, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add spinach and finish sauce: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Combine salmon and serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet on top of the orzo. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the salmon and meld flavors. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content in the dish.
- To ensure salmon cooks evenly, pat dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- If you prefer, you can substitute baby spinach with baby kale or arugula.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste for desired spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the salmon.
