Salmon with Lemon Orzo

A fuss-free, flavorful dish that brings tender pan-seared salmon together with creamy lemon orzo, fresh spinach, and Parmesan—all in one skillet. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect all-in-one dinner for busy nights or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 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
  
  

• 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 oz baby spinach
  
  

• Juice from ½ lemon
  
  

• ½ cup grated Parmesan
  
  

• Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
  
  

• Chili flakes (for serving)
  
  

Directions

1. Grate Parmesan, chop onion, and mince garlic. Pat salmon dry and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
   
   

2. Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a nonstick skillet. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
   
   

3. Lower heat to medium. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and remaining salt and pepper.
   
   

4. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes.
   
   

5. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth if needed.
   
   

6. Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
   
   

7. Top with black pepper and chili flakes before serving.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 391 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 10 g
  
  

• Protein: 43 g
  
  

• Fat: 20 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 5 g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 0.04 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 107 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 959 mg
  
  

• Potassium: 1285 mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2 g
  
  

• Sugar: 2 g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 3790 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 13 mg
  
  

• Calcium: 193 mg
  
  

• Iron: 3 mg