Go Back
–+ servings
One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A fuss-free meal with pan-seared salmon and lemony orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a quick and easy dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 391 kcal

Equipment

  • large nonstick pan

Ingredients
  

Seafood

  • 4 fillets skinless salmon

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • freshly ground black pepper for serving
  • chili flakes for serving

Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

Vegetables

  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 ounces baby spinach

Pasta and Broth

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Get your prep done before you start cooking: 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.

Cooking

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
  • Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 43gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 959mgPotassium: 1285mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3790IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 193mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Easy Recipe, orzo, quick dinner, Salmon, skillet meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!