Description
A quick and wholesome one-skillet meal featuring tender salmon and creamy lemon orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep: Grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon dry and season all sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half the salt and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the salmon and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it’s wilted (about 2 minutes). Add lemon juice and Parmesan, and mix well. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Return the Salmon: Gently place the salmon back in the skillet and warm it through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy your one-skillet wonder!
Notes
For variations, consider adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Feel free to swap out spinach for another green or use a different type of cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: salmon, one-skillet, lemon orzo, quick meals, weeknight dinner