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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make one skillet salmon with lemon orzo recipe. Tender salmon fillets are seared to perfection and combined with creamy lemon-infused orzo pasta, sautéed onions, garlic, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This wholesome dish is ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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 ½ lemon
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
  • Chili flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepping: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and black pepper.
  2. Searing: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sautéing: Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme along with the remaining salt and pepper. Add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Cooking: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, approximately 8 minutes.
  5. Simmering: Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. If the orzo is too dry, add a bit more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  6. Finishing: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is warmed through.
  7. Serving: Serve hot topped with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for an optional spicy kick. Enjoy your flavorful one skillet salmon with lemon orzo!

Notes

  • To keep the salmon moist, avoid overcooking it during the searing and final simmer.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to make it pescatarian.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.
  • If fresh spinach is not available, frozen spinach works fine but drain well before adding.
  • This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for up to 2 days refrigerated.
  • Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving for a brighter flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon recipe, one skillet salmon, lemon orzo, easy dinner, healthy main, quick seafood meal

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