Description
Creamy Salmon & Spinach Orzo is a one-pan meal featuring tender salmon, creamy orzo pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce. It’s an elegant yet easy dish, perfect for both weeknights and special dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season salmon with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, then pour in broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Lower heat and stir in cream and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- Mix in Parmesan and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Flake salmon into chunks and fold into the orzo. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with more Parmesan or herbs if preferred.
Notes
- Use leftover or canned salmon for convenience.
- Swap protein with shrimp or chicken.
- For extra veggies, add mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use coconut cream or plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
