Description
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo features tender, paprika-seasoned salmon served over savory orzo pasta with garlic, baby spinach, Parmesan, and fresh lemon. This comforting one-skillet dinner combines bright citrus flavor with a creamy, flavorful pasta base for an easy family meal.
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
- Season the salmon fillets with the sweet paprika, garlic powder, and portions of the salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon and sear on both sides until lightly golden. Remove the fillets and set aside; they can finish cooking later with the orzo.
- Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and stir briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the dry orzo and dried thyme. Stir to coat the pasta with the aromatic mixture.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the orzo, stirring regularly, until it is approaching tenderness and the broth has reduced. Lower the heat if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until the leaves wilt and the orzo is tender.
- Add the grated Parmesan and juice from half a lemon. Stir until the cheese is incorporated. Taste and adjust the remaining salt and black pepper as needed.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and allow them to finish cooking gently if necessary. Check the thickest part of each fillet; fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the heat and serve warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Stir the orzo regularly as it cooks to help prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- If the pasta absorbs the broth before becoming tender, lower the heat and add a little additional liquid as needed.
- Taste before adding extra salt because Parmesan and chicken broth contribute their own savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with approximately one-quarter of the prepared orzo
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, salmon with orzo, one skillet salmon, lemon orzo recipe, salmon dinner recipe, spinach Parmesan orzo