Quick One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo (Print version)

Seared salmon tucked into creamy lemon orzo with spinach and Parmesan, all cooked in one skillet in about 30 minutes.

# Ingredients:

For the salmon

01 - 4 salmon fillets, about 5 oz (140 g) each
02 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
04 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the lemon orzo

08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
09 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 cup (200 g) dry orzo pasta
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed
13 - 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach
14 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1/2 cup (45 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
17 - Chili flakes and extra black pepper, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add onion to the same skillet and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Stir in garlic, thyme, remaining salt, and remaining pepper for 30 seconds.
04 - Add dry orzo and stir for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
05 - Stir in spinach until wilted. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan, stirring until creamy. Add a splash more broth if the skillet looks dry.
06 - Nestle the salmon into the orzo and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Serve with chili flakes and extra black pepper.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately while the orzo is creamy.
02 - Add extra broth near the end if the orzo absorbs liquid before it is tender.

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