Description
A fuss-free meal with pan-seared salmon and lemony orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a quick and easy dinner.
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 (microbial-rennet)
- freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Step: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Step: Heat oil and butter over medium high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step: Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
- Step: Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Step: Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
- Step: Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
- Step: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes.
Notes
Try substituting salmon with shrimp or chicken. You can replace spinach with broccoli florets, kale, or green peas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 959 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg
Keywords: salmon, orzo, lemon, one skillet, seafood, dinner, quick meals