Description
Tender seared salmon served over creamy lemon parmesan orzo with fresh spinach, all cooked together in one skillet for an easy and comforting dinner packed with bright citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the salmon for about 3 minutes per side until lightly golden, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry orzo and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the orzo for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the baby spinach, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until the salmon is flaky and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest creamy texture.
- Add extra broth when reheating leftovers if the orzo becomes too thick.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: one skillet salmon with lemon orzo, creamy salmon orzo skillet, lemon parmesan orzo, salmon dinner recipe, easy one pan salmon, creamy orzo recipe, salmon and spinach skillet