Name: One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon fillets; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 5 ounces baby spinach; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Juice from ½ lemon; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt (divided); 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided); 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; freshly ground black pepper (for serving); chili flakes (for serving)

Description

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features succulent pan-seared salmon served over a bed of creamy lemon orzo, infused with garlic and fresh spinach. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dinner that delights the senses and satisfies the whole family. The combination of bright lemon, savory Parmesan, and tender salmon creates a comforting yet nutritious meal that is both simple to make and easy to clean up. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

4 skinless salmon fillets
1 cup dry orzo pasta
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
5 ounces baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice from ½ lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp unsalted butter
1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt (divided)
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (divided)
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
chili flakes (for serving)

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Instructions

Prep ingredients: Grate Parmesan, chop onion and garlic, and season salmon.
Sear salmon: Heat oil and butter in a skillet; cook salmon for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Cook aromatics: Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Stir in thyme and orzo.
Simmer orzo: Pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until orzo is nearly al dente.
Add spinach: Stir in spinach until wilted; mix in lemon juice and Parmesan.
Combine: Return salmon to skillet; simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Top with black pepper and chili flakes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with orzo (approximately 300g)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg