Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender salmon and creamy lemon orzo, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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 your ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Heat your skillet: In a large nonstick pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon: Add the seasoned salmon fillets and let them sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, then add garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook until fragrant and soft—about two minutes.
- Season and toast the orzo: Stir in the thyme, along with the remaining salt and pepper. Add the orzo and toast it for one minute.
- Add broth & simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Incorporate the spinach: Toss in the baby spinach, stirring until wilted for about 2 minutes.
- Finish with flavor: Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the salmon: Place the salmon back in the skillet and simmer for 2-3 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve and enjoy: Finally, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to your liking.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the salmon fillets and season them in advance. Store chopped onions and garlic in the fridge until ready to cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg