Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy lemon orzo with spinach and Parmesan. This wholesome meal comes together quickly, combining tender salmon with flavorful orzo cooked in chicken broth, enhanced with garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 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 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chili flakes
Instructions
- Prep 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 nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to coat the orzo with the flavors.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost al dente and most liquid has absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Flavorings: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Add extra broth if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them back into the orzo. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until salmon is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Use low sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer, chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- The orzo should be cooked just until almost al dente to avoid mushiness as it will finish cooking with the salmon.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
