Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection, nestled atop a creamy, lemon-infused orzo with spinach and Parmesan, this dish combines ease and elegance in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
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
- 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
- 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 paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and black pepper.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the skillet and toast it for 1 minute, stirring frequently to coat with the aromatics and fat.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Finish Sauce: Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt, about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Add more broth if the orzo looks dry. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Reheat Salmon: Return salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until salmon is heated through.
- Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one skillet salmon dinner!
Notes
- For best results, use skinless salmon fillets but keep them thick for a tender interior.
- If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable broth to make this dish pescatarian.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter when stirring in the Parmesan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: salmon skillet, lemon orzo, one pot dinner, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon recipe, easy seafood dinner