Description
A delicious and easy one skillet meal featuring tender seared salmon fillets served over creamy lemon orzo with sautéed spinach and Parmesan cheese. This wholesome recipe combines vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper (to season)
- Olive oil (for searing)
- Butter (for searing)
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Thyme (fresh or dried, quantity approx. 1 tsp)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Sear salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and toast orzo: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add thyme along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Then add the dry orzo pasta and toast it by stirring for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Cook orzo: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach and finish sauce: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Add the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Return salmon to skillet: Place the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the fish and meld flavors together.
- Serve: Serve the skillet salmon and lemon orzo hot, topped with freshly ground black pepper and optional chili flakes for a little heat.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Ensure the salmon is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- Fresh thyme is preferred, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- For a vegetarian option, omit salmon and use vegetable broth instead.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for acidity.
- Use Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture and rich flavor; substitute with a vegan cheese for a vegan variation.
