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Delicious One Skillet Salmon served with Lemon Orzo on a plate.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A quick and healthy dish featuring salmon and orzo pasta cooked in one skillet with lemon and spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 pieces 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
For the Orzo
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 5 ounces baby spinach
  • Juice from ½ lemon lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
For Serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper for serving
  • Chili flakes for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. 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 the skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
  4. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  5. 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.
  6. Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
  8. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Serving
  1. Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Notes

Make sure the salmon is patted dry to get a nice sear. Use fresh spinach for better flavor. Be careful not to overcook the orzo. Adjust the spices to your taste before serving.