Description
This one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo is a quick and easy meal featuring pan-seared salmon served over creamy lemon-infused orzo pasta with spinach and Parmesan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon 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
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add thyme, remaining salt and pepper, and orzo. Toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return salmon to skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve with freshly ground pepper and chili flakes.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon if preferred; adjust cooking time for crispiness.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt content; regular broth is fine with seasoning adjustments.
- Substitute spinach with broccoli, kale, or peas if desired.
- Store leftovers for 1 day in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with orzo
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
