Salmon Orzo

Dry orzo pasta and chopped onions sautéing in a pan.

Pan-seared salmon seasoned with smoked paprika served over a creamy, one-pan orzo pasta infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach.

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: creamy, one-pan, orzo, salmon

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings: servings

Calories: 600kcal

Author: Caoimhe Byrne

Equipment

1 Large, high-sided skillet cast iron recommended

Ingredients

Group: Salmon

4 fillets salmon
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil

Group: Creamy Spinach Orzo

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup orzo, uncooked
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped (canned or jarred)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 oz fresh spinach
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large, high-sided skillet on medium-high heat for about **2-3 minutes**. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and swirl. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up. Sear the salmon for about **3-4 minutes**, then flip carefully and cook for an additional **2-3 minutes**. Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the skillet.
Use a paper towel to wipe off excess fat from the skillet, if needed. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté for about **2-3 minutes** or until translucent and soft. Then, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for an additional **30-60 seconds** or until fragrant.
Add uncooked orzo and toast for **1-2 minutes**. Pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about **6-10 minutes** or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
Add in heavy cream, chopped roasted red pepper, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
Return the cooked salmon back to the skillet. Let it warm through on medium heat. Garnish with fresh basil and coarsely ground black pepper.

Notes

Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a great sear on the salmon. The orzo is cooked directly in the chicken stock and cream, making this a true one-pan meal with minimal cleanup. The lemon juice and roasted red peppers brighten the creamy flavor.

Nutrition