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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into something special. This one-pan recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon paired with zesty lemon orzo, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese, all cooked together for a delightful meal with minimal cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a nutritious and satisfying dinner that will impress family and friends alike. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you crave something delicious yet simple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skinless salmon fillets
  • 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
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients by grating the Parmesan, chopping the onion, and mincing garlic. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and sauté minced garlic and onion until soft. Stir in thyme along with remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Add dry orzo; toast for 1 minute while stirring.
  5. Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about 8 minutes until nearly al dente.
  6. Stir in spinach until wilted, then mix in lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Return salmon to the skillet; simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  8. Serve with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes.

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