One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
A comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring seared salmon, zesty lemon, and orzo, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 pieces skinless salmon fillets Pat dry before seasoning.
- 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
For the Orzo
- 1 medium 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
- Freshly ground black pepper For serving
- Chili flakes For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep all your ingredients: grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large nonstick pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden crusted. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
- Add the orzo and toast for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until almost al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
- Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Serving
- Serve hot, topped with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes.
Notes
For best experience, serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan and squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.