Description
A delicious and easy one skillet salmon recipe featuring seared skinless salmon fillets cooked with lemon-infused orzo pasta, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt – divided
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper – divided
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Cooking Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion – finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
Pasta and Flavors
- 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
To Serve
- freshly ground black pepper – for serving
- chili flakes – for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate 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.
- Sear Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked and slightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in dried thyme, and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Toast Orzo: Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to coat with the aromatics and spices.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Spinach and Finish Orzo: Stir in baby spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Add more broth if needed and adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
- Reheat Salmon: Return salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is heated through and integrated with the orzo mixture.
- Serve: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes for extra flavor and a hint of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful one skillet salmon with lemon orzo.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- Toast orzo briefly before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace salmon with a plant-based protein.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or milk with the Parmesan.
- Adjust chili flakes amount according to your heat preference or omit if serving children.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
