Quick one-pan seafood dinner (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
07 - 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
08 - 5 ounces baby spinach
09 - juice from ½ lemon
10 - ½ cup grated Parmesan

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp salt, divided
12 - 1 tsp black pepper, divided
13 - 1 tsp sweet paprika
14 - 1 tsp garlic powder
15 - 1 tsp dried thyme
16 - freshly ground black pepper, for serving
17 - chili flakes, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Before you start cooking, get everything ready: grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika and half of the salt and pepper.
02 - Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside - it'll finish cooking later.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the thyme and the remaining salt and pepper.
04 - Add the orzo to the pan and toast it for about a minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more broth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
06 - Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is heated through and fully cooked.
07 - Top with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a hint of heat. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or plate individually.

# Notes:

01 - This is a true one-pan meal that combines protein, pasta, and vegetables for a complete dinner with minimal cleanup.
02 - You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula.
03 - For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and use a bit more lemon juice for flavor.

Back