A fuss-free meal with pan-seared salmon and lemony orzo cooked together with spinach and Parmesan for a quick and easy dinner. A winner for busy nights— this all-in-one dish is sure to be loved by everyone at your table!
Author:lina
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course, Dinner
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
4 skinless salmon fillets
1 tsp salt – divided
1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper – divided
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp unsalted butter
1 yellow onion – finely chopped
3 garlic cloves – minced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
5 ounces baby spinach
juice from ½ lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan
freshly ground black pepper – for serving
chili flakes – for serving
Instructions
Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Heat oil and butter over medium high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking, until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth, if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!