Description
Creamy Salmon & Spinach Orzo is my go-to one-pan dinner when I need something quick, easy, and delicious. It’s ready in 30 minutes and packed with tender & flaky salmon, creamy orzo, spinach, roasted red bell peppers, Parmesan, and a splash of lemon juice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fillets salmon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers (chopped (canned or jarred))
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Step: Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step: Heat a large, high-sided skillet on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Once hot, add olive oil and swirl to evenly coat the skillet. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up. Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Step: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet. Use a paper towel to wipe off excess fat, if needed.
- Step: Add olive oil and chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until translucent and soft. Then, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds or until fragrant.
- Step: Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 6-10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
- Step: Add in heavy cream, chopped roasted red pepper, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
- Step: Return the cooked salmon back to the skillet. Let it warm through on medium heat. Garnish with fresh basil and coarsely ground black pepper.
Notes
Use a high-sided, heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel to ensure even cooking. Pat the salmon fillets dry to ensure a crispy, golden crust. Avoid overcooking the salmon to prevent it from becoming dry. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Add fresh baby spinach at the end so it stays tender.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 725 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1012 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 139 mg
Keywords: salmon orzo