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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 the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish elevates your dinner table with pan-seared salmon, creamy orzo, and vibrant spinach, all infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this nutritious family-friendly recipe that requires minimal cleanup—ideal for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skinless salmon fillets
  • 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 cheese
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
  • Chili flakes (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Season salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add thyme and remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Toast dry orzo in the skillet for one minute before adding chicken broth; bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until orzo is almost al dente (about 8 minutes).
  5. Stir in baby spinach until wilted; mix in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Return salmon to the skillet for a couple of minutes to reheat before serving.

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