Description

A bright and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets served with creamy, zesty lemon orzo, all cooked in one skillet for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

For the Lemon Orzo:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup (200 g) orzo pasta

2 cups (475 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the orzo pasta, stirring to coat with the oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until creamy.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the lemon orzo.
Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

The salmon can be substituted with chicken or another type of fish if desired.
Vegetable broth can be used to keep the recipe vegetarian (if not serving with salmon).
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your personal preference for acidity.
For added richness, you can increase the Parmesan cheese or heavy cream slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 110mg