One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy nights. This one-pan dish combines tender salmon fillets with creamy orzo, sautéed spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It's easy to prepare and packs a punch of flavor from the zesty lemon and rich garlic seasoning. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting dinner!

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 skinless salmon fillets
  
  

• 1 tsp salt, divided
  
  

• 1 tsp black pepper, divided
  
  

• 1 tsp sweet paprika
  
  

• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tsp unsalted butter
  
  

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 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
  
  

Directions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
   
   

2. Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   
   

3. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion to the same skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes.
   
   

4. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
   
   

5. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).
   
   

6. Add spinach and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth if needed and adjust salt to taste.
   
   

7. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
   
   

8. Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Serve immediately.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 391 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 10g
  
  

• Protein: 43g
  
  

• Fat: 20g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 0.04g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 107mg
  
  

• Sodium: 959mg
  
  

• Potassium: 1285mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 2g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 3790 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 13mg
  
  

• Calcium: 193mg
  
  

• Iron: 3mg