One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• 1 tsp 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 (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:

• Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the salmon with garlic powder, sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the Salmon:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once seared, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Aromatics and Orzo:

• Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
• Add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute, stirring to coat in the onion and garlic mixture.

4. Cook the Orzo in Broth:

• Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, and the orzo should be almost al dente.

5. Add Spinach and Lemon:

• Stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted.
• Add the lemon juice and grated Parmesan, stirring until the orzo becomes creamy. If needed, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Serve immediately, topped with freshly ground black pepper and optional chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips for the Best One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo:

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so be sure to sear it just long enough for a golden crust, but keep the interior tender.
• Customize the Greens: If you don’t have spinach, feel free to substitute with kale or arugula for a similar result.
• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer orzo, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end.

Conclusion:

This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a beautifully balanced meal that’s quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. With tender salmon, creamy orzo, and a fresh lemony finish, it’s the perfect dish for any night of the week. Plus, with everything cooked in one skillet, it’s as easy to clean up as it is to make!

Serve this delightful dish for a quick family meal or a special occasion, and enjoy every flavorful bite.

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