Description
A delicious and easy one skillet meal featuring salmon and orzo pasta, enhanced with lemon and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with half of the salt and the black pepper. Let them rest for a few minutes while you warm the skillet.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the salmon in the pan. Cook the fillets for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the salmon and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. As it melts, stir in the minced garlic and chopped shallot.
- Add the orzo directly into the skillet. Stir for about a minute until the grains look slightly glossy.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, remaining salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender.
- Stir in the spinach and fresh lemon juice.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and let everything warm together for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan and fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with orzo
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg