Description
Delectable one skillet salmon with lemon orzo brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with effortless elegance. Creamy pasta and perfectly seared fish create a harmonious meal you’ll savor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Chili flakes, for serving
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare a clean workspace and gather all ingredients. Grate Parmesan cheese, finely chop onion, and mince garlic cloves. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towel and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and butter, creating a sizzling surface. Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer salmon to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate thyme and remaining seasonings. Introduce orzo and toast for 1 minute, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, maintaining a steady simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking, cooking for about 8 minutes until pasta is nearly al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Fold in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy texture. Adjust liquid and seasoning as needed.
- Gently return seared salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the fish and marry the flavors.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and optional chili flakes. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught for richer taste.
- Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in moisture.
- Toast orzo briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize the dish by swapping spinach with other quick-cooking greens like kale or Swiss chard for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg