Description
Tender seared salmon fillets served with creamy lemon orzo, parmesan cheese, garlic, and spinach in one easy skillet dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skinless salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, optional
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear salmon for 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, then cook garlic and shallots for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine and scrape the browned bits from the pan.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in orzo pasta and cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Mix in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- Add spinach and optional vegetables, then return salmon to the skillet.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon zest, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking for a crisp crust.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with orzo
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 371
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 85