Effortless Salmon Lemon Orzo Skillet (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Protein
01 -
4 portions of salmon, skinless
→ Seasonings
02 -
1 tsp black pepper, split
03 -
1 tsp paprika, sweet variety
04 -
1 tsp powdered garlic
05 -
1 tsp dried thyme
06 -
1 tsp salt, split
07 -
Ground black pepper for topping
08 -
Crushed chili flakes for garnish
→ Pantry Items
09 -
1 tsp butter, unsalted
10 -
1 tbsp olive oil
11 -
3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
12 -
1 cup orzo, uncooked
→ Produce
13 -
Juice of half a lemon
14 -
5 ounces of fresh spinach leaves
15 -
3 garlic cloves, minced finely
16 -
1 yellow onion, chopped finely
→ Dairy
17 -
½ cup Parmesan, shredded
# Instructions:
01 -
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate your Parmesan. Dry off the salmon fillets with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides of the salmon evenly with paprika, garlic powder, and half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
02 -
In a big skillet or pan, warm up the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Pop in the salmon fillets and let each side cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove them and set aside for now.
03 -
Lower the heat a bit, toss in the onion and garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes until they smell amazing and are soft. Add the thyme, plus the rest of the salt and pepper. Drop in the orzo and give it a quick toast—just a minute is fine.
04 -
Pour the chicken broth into the pan and let it come to a boil. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Keep stirring every now and then so the pasta doesn't stick. Let it cook like this, uncovered, for about 8 minutes until the orzo is just slightly underdone and most of the broth is gone.
05 -
Add the spinach and give it a couple of minutes to wilt down as you stir. Mix in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan. If it seems too thick, throw in a splash more broth. Taste it and adjust the salt if needed.
06 -
Slide the salmon back into your skillet and let it warm through gently on low heat, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chili flakes and ground black pepper just before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish brings together salmon with a creamy citrusy orzo, all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
02 -
Remember to stir the orzo frequently so it doesn't stick while cooking!