One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
A quick and delicious one-skillet meal featuring seared salmon and creamy lemon orzo, perfect for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 pieces skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Finishing Touches
- ½ whole lemon (juice from)
- freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation
- Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Cooking the Salmon
- Heat oil and butter over medium high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo
- Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
- Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
Get your prep done before you start cooking for best results. You can swap spinach for kale and chicken broth for vegetable broth if desired. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of broth.