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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Salmon
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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Salmon

Creamy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Salmon is the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner. This family-approved dish combines tender salmon, creamy orzo, and fresh lemon flavors, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights and packed with nutrients to keep everyone happy and satisfied!
Servings 4

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless, about 4-6 oz each I got my salmon at @wholefoods
  • 1 tbsp olive oil I use @getgraza or @terradelyssa
  • 1 tbsp paprika I use @watkins.1868
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 lemon juiced

Orzo

  • 1 shallot diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp butter I use @kerrygoldusa
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2.5 cups uncooked orzo I use @barillaus
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth I use @pacificfoods
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream/milk
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced (@wonderfulseedlesslemons my fav)
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese I use @parmigianoreggiano
  • Fresh parsley and basil chopped finely for garnish

Instructions

  • Season the salmon with the salmon seasonings and lemon juice. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Mix until combined. then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Save the salmon juices.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice and cook for 1-2 minutes until brown bits at the bottom of the pan begin to lift.
  • Stir in the uncooked orzo, coating it in the garlic butter. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, chili flakes, garlic + onion powder. Grate in parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens. Add in spinach and mix until spinach is cooked and wilted.
  • Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet. Cover and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to cook the salmon through.
  • Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and basil, parmesan cheese, a few cracks of black pepper and lemon juice and serve warm. Serve and enjoy!