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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-make weeknight meal featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked alongside tender orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, and bright lemon juice, all simmered together for a flavorful and comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 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

For Serving

  • freshly ground black pepper – for serving
  • chili flakes – for serving

Instructions

  1. 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 evenly with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and black pepper. Add the dry orzo pasta and toast for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  4. Cook Orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is nearly al dente and most liquid has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.
  5. Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in the baby spinach and simmer until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Add more broth if the orzo seems too dry. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Reheat Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the orzo. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and flavors meld.
  7. Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes on top, then serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Be sure to pat the salmon dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in the dish.
  • If you prefer, substitute vegetable broth to make it pescatarian.
  • Keep stirring the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • You can add more lemon juice or Parmesan to taste for extra brightness and richness.
  • For extra spice, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Keywords: One Skillet Salmon, Lemon Orzo, Easy Salmon Recipe, Quick Dinner, Healthy Salmon Dish, One Pan Meal, Mediterranean Salmon

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