Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the ultimate solution for a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this all-in-one meal featuring tender pan-seared salmon accompanied by zesty orzo, vibrant spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The bright lemon juice and aromatic garlic elevate the flavors, ensuring that every bite is bursting with freshness. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this dish offers minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment—making it a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 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
- freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Get your prep done before you start cooking. Grate the Parmesan cheese. Finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add salmon fillets to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme along with remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo to toast for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally until almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed—about 8 minutes.
- Add spinach into the skillet. Stir until wilted—about 2 minutes. Mix in lemon juice and Parmesan. If needed, add more broth; taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Place seared salmon back into the skillet. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg