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Salmon With Lemon Orzo

Creamy lemon orzo with flaky salmon in a one pan dinner recipe
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A comforting one-pan meal featuring herb-crusted salmon nestled in a creamy, bright lemon orzo pasta. This dish is simple enough for a busy weeknight yet feels special enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp juice)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with garlic powder, dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, presentation-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove salmon to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Add the lemon zest and juice. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Nestle the seared salmon fillets back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and most of the chopped parsley until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Ensure salmon is patted very dry for a proper sear. The salmon will finish cooking in the covered skillet, so avoid overcooking during the initial sear.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/salmon-with-lemon-orzo/