Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture); ½ cup baby spinach (optional, for added greens); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Orzo:

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
½ cup baby spinach (optional, for added greens)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a beautiful, crispy sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This enhances the nutty flavor and gives the dish a richer taste.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and black pepper, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the orzo cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Creamy Elements

Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until well combined, then fold in the baby spinach if desired. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is creamy and well blended.

Step 5: Return the Salmon to the Skillet

Nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy lemon orzo around them. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal straight from the skillet!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 36g