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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

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This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender salmon fillets, creamy orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this one-pan meal delivers comfort and flavor with minimal cleanup. With ingredients like garlic, thyme, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s the ideal balance of savory and fresh, ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

4 skinless 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

Instructions

  • Prep Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  • Cook Vegetables: Lower heat to medium, add garlic and onion to the skillet, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Toast Orzo: Stir in thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper, then add the orzo. Toast for 1 minute.

  • Simmer Orzo: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  • Finish Dish: Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Return the salmon to the skillet, flaking it into the orzo.

  • Serve: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving.

Notes

  • For a different twist, swap salmon for shrimp or chicken.

  • Use alternative greens like kale, broccoli, or peas if desired.

  • To add extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine before adding the broth.

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/one-skillet-salmon-with-lemon-orzo/