Description
This one-skillet dish pairs tender, flaky salmon with bright and zesty lemon orzo. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, combining wholesome ingredients with minimal cleanup. The orzo absorbs the lemony broth, making it flavorful and creamy without any added cream.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon, skin side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add garlic, onion, and thyme, cooking until fragrant and the onion is softened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, toasting lightly for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, water, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the spinach, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Garnish with additional parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version (just replace salmon with roasted chickpeas or tofu).
- For added richness, drizzle the salmon with melted butter before serving.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preferences for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg