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–+ servings
Salmon Orzo

Creamy Salmon Orzo: A Cozy One-Pan Wonder in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Salmon Orzo recipe brings together flaky salmon and orzo in a quick, flavorful dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo (uncooked)
  • 2 cups Chicken stock Vegetable stock for vegetarian option
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) Substitute with dairy-free cheese for vegan
For the Flavor
  • 4 fillets Salmon fillets Opt for skin-on for extra moisture
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Use regular paprika for milder flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can be replaced with avocado oil
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped) Yellow onions work best
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Roasted garlic for a softer taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can swap with mixed dried herbs
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For the Veggies
  • 4 cups Fresh spinach Baby spinach is ideal
  • 1 cup Roasted red bell peppers (chopped) Fresh peppers work if sautéed first
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) Add at the end for freshness

Equipment

  • Large high-sided skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets skin-side up for 3-4 minutes, flip and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 6-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, roasted red bell peppers, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  7. Return salmon to the skillet and warm through for 2-3 minutes, avoiding overcooking.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider other veggies like asparagus or zucchini for added nutrition.

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