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Salmon Orzo

Creamy Salmon Orzo: A Quick 30-Minute Dinner Delight

Experience the delightful blend of Creamy Salmon Orzo, a quick and flavorful dinner option that pairs rich salmon with creamy orzo and spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Salmon Use skin-on for moisture retention
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Adds a subtle smokiness
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavor
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Provides heat and depth
For the Orzo
  • 4 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing the salmon and sautéing veggies
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Or substitute with oregano and basil
  • 1 cup Orzo Uncooked; can swap for gluten-free options
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Can use vegetable stock for vegetarian
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream Opt for coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 0.5 cup Roasted Red Peppers Chopped
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated; choose dairy-free for dietary needs
  • 4 oz Fresh Spinach Fold in at the end
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • High-sided Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon skin-side up and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through; then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium. Add chopped yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about 30-60 seconds.
  3. Add uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring constantly to toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 6-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, chopped roasted red peppers, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking just until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gently return the cooked salmon to the skillet, warming through for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For freezing, store for up to 2 months and reheat in a skillet with chicken stock.

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