Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a beautifully balanced, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and paired with creamy, lemon-infused orzo cooked in a flavorful chicken broth with spinach and Parmesan. The dish is cooked entirely in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and delivering a delicious, comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
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 & 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
Finishing & Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepping: 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 black pepper.
- Searing: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sautéing: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Cooking: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Simmering: Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. If the mixture looks dry, add a little more broth as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Finishing: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serving: Serve the salmon and orzo hot, topped with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste. Enjoy your flavorful and simple one skillet meal!
Notes
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt levels, but adjust to taste as needed.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Toast the orzo to enhance its nutty flavor before simmering.
- Adding fresh spinach at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the salmon.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon during searing to keep it moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
