Description
A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring skinless salmon fillets seared to perfection with savory orzo and fresh spinach, finished with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp coarsely ground 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 ounces baby spinach
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the pan and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, and cook for approximately 2 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- Add the dry orzo to the skillet, toasting it for about 1 minute while stirring constantly.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes.
- Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes.
Notes
Make sure to select the best quality salmon fillets and chicken broth for flavor.