One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
A quick and delicious one-pan meal that combines salmon and lemony orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 fillets salmon fillets Use fresh or thawed from frozen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the salmon.
- Salt and pepper To taste for seasoning.
For the Orzo
- 1 cup orzo pasta Small pasta that absorbs flavors well.
- 2 cups vegetable broth For cooking orzo.
- 1 lemon lemon (juice and zest) Adds brightness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For sautéing.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 cup fresh spinach Will wilt into the orzo.
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the salmon fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the salmon and set aside.
Preparing the Orzo
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them on top of the orzo. Let everything warm together for another minute.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
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Notes
For added richness, consider stirring in cream cheese or Greek yogurt before serving. Adding red pepper flakes can give a nice hint of spice.