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Overhead view of seared salmon with lemon orzo and spinach in a ceramic bowl

Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

This dish brings together tender seared salmon fillets with creamy lemon orzo, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for dinner parties or busy weeknights when you still want something special.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 enameled cast iron or stainless steel skillet
  • 1 grater
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 paring knife

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets, skinless, about 6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or Italian seasoning

For the Lemon Orzo:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan and sear for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and the broth is absorbed.
  • Once the orzo is done, stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  • Add the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Add the rinsed spinach leaves and let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Serve and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 425
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 371mg
Potassium: 675mg
Vitamin A: 1308IU