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Delish Seared Salmon with Creamy Orzo

Delish Seared Salmon with Creamy Orzo

Golden seared salmon served over ultra-creamy, lemony orzo with spinach and Parmesan. A weeknight-friendly, restaurant-quality dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fillets skin-on salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot shallot finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped (or use parsley)
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat salmon dry. Season all over with 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon skin-side down and sear until the skin is crisp and the sides are mostly opaque, about 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add shallot and cook 2 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add dry orzo and toast, stirring, for 1 minute to coat in the pan drippings.
  • Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until creamy.
  • Fold in spinach and dill. Season orzo with remaining 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt, remaining 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Nestle salmon back into the skillet to warm for 1 minute. Serve salmon over the creamy orzo, spooning extra sauce on top.

Notes

For extra-crispy skin, press the salmon gently with a spatula for the first minute of searing. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce (reduce broth slightly). Use vegetable broth to keep it pescatarian.