Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and zesty flavors. With perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with creamy lemon orzo pasta, spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is quick, easy, and full of taste. The entire meal is made in just 30 minutes in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
For the lemon orzo:
- 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 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Chili flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in the skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in dried thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Add orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Add more broth if needed and taste for seasoning.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
- Serve with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth for a lighter option or a gluten-free orzo if necessary.
- For extra flavor, you can add a few lemon zest strips along with the lemon juice.
- If you prefer a more substantial sauce, add a little more chicken broth or a splash of cream towards the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéed, Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
