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Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than our One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This delightful dish captures the essence of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, all while being easy on your schedule and the environment—thanks to the single skillet cooking method. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and zesty lemon orzo creates a meal that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor and health benefits.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features seared salmon paired with creamy lemon orzo, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation! Don't forget the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
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Ingredients
  

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup baby spinach

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

    Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to slightly toast.

      Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

        Mix in Veggies: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are warm. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

          Combine and Serve: Gently place the seared salmon back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Let it warm up for a minute, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 2 servings