One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
A vibrant one-skillet meal combining flaky salmon, creamy lemon orzo, and fresh spinach. Blended with herbs and buttery notes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 340kcal
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 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 cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry. Season with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook until softened (~2 minutes).
- Stir in thyme, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Toast orzo for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Toss in spinach and lemon juice. Cook until liquid is absorbed. Adjust seasonings.
- Return salmon to skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan and chili flakes. Gently mix to combine.
Notes
Skip butter substitution entirely (unsalted butter is halal-friendly). Use vegetable broth for dietary preferences. Add lemon wedges for serving if preferred.