30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

30-Minute Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo

from cocinarepublic.com
30 min
4 servings

This amazing dish brings together tender salmon fillets with creamy lemon orzo, fresh spinach, and flavorful Parmesan cheese. It's just perfect for hectic weeknights or as a standout choice for a dinner party. The best part? It's light enough to still enjoy a delightful dessert afterwards!

Ingredients

  • 4 Salmon Fillets (skinless fillets about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing the salmon)
  • Salt and Pepper (To taste)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or Italian Seasoning (for seasoning salmon)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (for sautéing)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 small Shallots (finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup White Wine (for deglazing the pan)
  • 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 ½ cups Orzo Pasta
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream (for a creamy texture)
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (or to taste)
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (packed)
  • ½ cup Diced Bell Peppers (for extra veggies)
  • ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved (optional))
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, put the salmon fillets in the pan and sear them for 2 minutes on each side. This will give them a crispy outside. Take the salmon out of the pan and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Next, make the lemon orzo. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they smell great. Then, add ¼ cup of white wine to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits.

  3. 3

    Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it's tender and the broth is absorbed.

  5. 5

    After the orzo is done, add ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

  6. 6

    Finally, add the seared salmon fillets back to the skillet. Then add the cleaned and rinsed fresh spinach leaves and let them cook with the orzo for 2-3 minutes.Serve and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!