Description
Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table with this Salmon with Lemon Orzo, a quick dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Tender pan-seared salmon is served over creamy Parmesan lemon orzo with fresh spinach for a satisfying one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner ideas, family meals, or special occasions, this easy recipe combines fresh ingredients with rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon 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 (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry and season with half the salt, half the pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the onion until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the orzo and thyme, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Add the lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining salt and pepper, stirring until smooth.
- Return the salmon to the skillet and warm for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest and creamiest sauce.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to keep the orzo creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 610 kcal per serving
Keywords: Salmon with Lemon Orzo, creamy salmon orzo, lemon orzo recipe, one pan salmon dinner, easy salmon dinner, Parmesan orzo, stovetop salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner