Print

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 122 reviews

A flavorful and easy one skillet meal featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets served over creamy lemon-infused orzo with sautéed spinach, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. This dish combines the tanginess of lemon with tender salmon and comforting pasta for a quick, wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • Chili flakes

Instructions

  1. 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 a teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
  2. Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Toast Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 minute, stirring to coat with the aromatics and oil.
  5. Simmer Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
  6. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Add additional broth as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
  7. Reheat Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is warmed through.
  8. Serve: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!

Notes

  • Patting the salmon dry and seasoning it well ensures a flavorful and crispy sear.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in the dish.
  • If preferred, vegetable broth can be used to make this dish pescatarian-friendly.
  • Adjust the quantity of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Add additional lemon juice for a more vibrant citrus flavor.
  • You can substitute baby spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, though cooking times may vary.

Keywords: salmon, orzo, one skillet meal, lemon orzo, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, salmon with pasta, one pan dinner, skillet salmon

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/one-skillet-salmon-with-lemon-orzo-recipe/