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overhead photo of salmon over creamy orzo with lemon and spinach.
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5 from 3 votes

Seared Salmon and Creamy Orzo Pasta

Juicy salmon seared in a pan, paired with a creamy spinach and parmesan orzo pasta, and all cooked in the same skillet!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy salmon recipe, one pan salmon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 597kcal
Author: The Chunky Chef

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 salmon filets approximately 3 to 4 oz each
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil divided

Orzo

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh is best
  • 2 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare

  • Pat 4 salmon filets dry with paper towels.

Season and sear salmon

  • Drizzle salmon with some of the olive oil, then season with the 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, really rubbing the seasonings into the fish.
  • Heat a large skillet over MED HIGH heat. Once hot, add what's left of the 2 Tbsp olive oil.
  • Add seasoned salmon filets and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove salmon to a plate and set aside.

Toast and cook orzo

  • To the same skillet, add 1 cup dried orzo pasta and cook, stirring often for about a minute or so, until lightly toasted.
  • Pour in 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo has absorbed most of the broth, and pasta is al dente.

Finish orzo

  • Add 1 cup baby spinach, stirring it into the orzo, and cook 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
  • Lower the heat to MED or MED LOW and stir in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp lemon zest.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the orzo. Taste and add salt and pepper if you'd like.

Finish and serve

  • Gently nestle the salmon filets back into the skillet with the orzo, letting them warm through a bit.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you'd like.

Notes

  1. This recipe serves approximately 4, but you're free to divide it into as many servings as you'd like.

Nutrition

Calories: 597kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 1135mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1513IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 3mg
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