Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon recipe featuring perfectly seared salmon served over creamy lemon orzo with spinach and Parmesan, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
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
Cooking Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion – finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
Orzo and Flavorings
- 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
- 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 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 cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until seared and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add Herbs and Toast Orzo: Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook 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.
- Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in baby spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan. If the mixture is too dry, add more broth as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
- Reheat Salmon: Return the seared salmon to the skillet, spooning some of the orzo mixture around it. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is warmed through.
- Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures a better sear.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth and omit the salmon or replace it with grilled tofu.
- For a creamier orzo, stir in a bit of cream or extra Parmesan before serving.
- Keep stirring the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
