I cook this on one pan and I grin the whole time. Tender salmon sinks into lemon orzo. Spinach wilts and makes the pasta look lush. The result feels bright and calm. The dish fits busy nights and slow Sundays. We eat and we relax. We keep the method simple. Sear the salmon. Toast orzo. Add broth and let it bubble. Stir in spinach and Parmesan. The lemon lifts every bite. The texture stays creamy and light. No mess. No stress. Just dinner that works. Here we chase flavor with clear steps and short waits. The main idea sits in the name spinach dinner recipes. It links with 1 Pot Meals and 3 Ingredient Dinner Recipes and 5 Ingredient Or Less Recipes and Baked Salmon Recipes and Lemon Orzo Recipes and Spinach Dinner Ideas. You bring a spoon. I bring a smile.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- 4) How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- 5) Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- 6) Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- 8) Try these dinners next
- 9) One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
We cook one pan. We get creamy orzo. We keep cleanup small. That wins the night.
Salmon stays juicy. Lemon keeps the flavor bright. Spinach softens and tastes fresh.
Nancy at Nancy Cooks shares this method on Nancy Cooks. We eat well and we keep our time.
2) Easy One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe
I reach for this on busy nights and slow weekends. The main idea is spinach dinner recipes and I say it twice since it guides the whole plan. Spinach dinner recipes means warm bowls with greens that melt into pasta and make a silky finish.
We start simple. Salmon gets a quick sear. Orzo toasts in the same pan. Broth goes in and simmers. Lemon wakes the starch and lifts the sauce.
The texture lands between risotto and pilaf. The taste leans bright and savory. On the plate it feels like comfort with a clean edge.
3) Ingredients for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Salmon fillets I use four pieces about palm size so the cook stays even and quick.
Olive oil A light coat helps the sear and gives the sauce a soft sheen.
Butter A small knob rounds the edges and adds a gentle finish.
Salt and black pepper I season in layers so each bite tastes lively.
Sweet paprika It adds color and a warm note without heat.
Garlic powder It boosts the salmon without crowding the pan with bits.
Yellow onion Finely chopped so it melts into the orzo and sweetens the base.
Fresh garlic Three cloves minced give the sauce a clean pulse.
Dry orzo pasta One cup cooks up tender and creamy in the broth.
Dried thyme Just a pinch adds a woodsy line behind the lemon.
Low sodium chicken broth Three cups keep the orzo loose and silky.
Baby spinach A handfuls worth softens fast and folds into the pasta.
Lemon juice Freshly squeezed so the flavor stays bright and clean.
Grated Parmesan It finishes the sauce and gives a light body.
Chili flakes A sprinkle on top wakes the final plate.
4) How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Step one pat and season Pat the salmon dry. Season both sides with salt black pepper garlic powder and sweet paprika.
Step two sear Heat olive oil with butter in a large pan over medium high. Sear the salmon three to four minutes per side then set on a plate.
Step three soften aromatics Lower heat to medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook two minutes and stir so the bits do not brown.
Step four toast and simmer Stir in orzo salt pepper and thyme. Toast one minute. Pour in broth. Bring to a steady simmer and cook eight minutes.
Step five finish and nestle Stir in spinach lemon juice and Parmesan. Slide the salmon back in. Simmer two minutes so the fish warms through.
Step six serve Spoon orzo into bowls. Top with salmon and a pinch of chili flakes. Breathe it in and dig in.
5) Tips for Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Use a hot pan and dry fish. That gives a deep sear and keeps the center tender.
Keep the orzo loose. If it tightens while it rests splash in a bit of warm broth and stir.
Want a gentle push toward spinach dinner ideas. Fold in a little extra spinach at the end and let the heat soften it right in the pan.
6) Making One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Ahead of Time
I cook the orzo a touch looser when I plan ahead. The starch will set as it cools and the texture will stay creamy later.
Hold the lemon and Parmesan for the reheat. Warm the pan add a splash of broth then stir in lemon and cheese so the flavor pops again.
This plan fits spinach dinner recipes for busy weeks. Pack the salmon separate and slide it on the orzo just before you serve.
7) Storing Leftover One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Cool the food then pack into shallow containers. The texture thanks you later.
Fridge time sits at two days for best taste. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth and a squeeze of lemon.
For a smart spin on spinach dinner think warm bowls at lunch. The orzo loosens and the salmon stays tender when you heat it slow.
8) Try these dinners next
9) One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo
Spinach Dinner Recipes Lemon Orzo Salmon One Pan Supper
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
For the Orzo
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- juice from half a lemon
- half cup grated Parmesan
- freshly ground black pepper for serving
- chili flakes for serving
Instructions
For the Salmon
- Pat the fillets dry. Season both sides with garlic powder sweet paprika and half the salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil with butter over medium high in a large nonstick pan. Sear the salmon for three to four minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
For the Orzo
- Lower heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to the same pan. Cook for two minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the orzo the rest of the salt and pepper and the thyme. Stir and toast for one minute.
- Add broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a lively simmer. Cook for eight minutes and stir now and then.
- Stir in spinach. Cook for two minutes until it softens.
- Add lemon juice and Parmesan. Stir until creamy.
- Nestle the salmon into the orzo. Simmer for two minutes to warm through.
- Finish with black pepper and chili flakes. Serve right away.
10) Nutrition
Per cozy serving you get solid protein from salmon plus steady carbs from orzo. The sauce stays light since broth carries most of the work and Parmesan brings body. Lemon and spinach add freshness and color. Short list for quick fuel and clean flavor.
Keyword work appears here once each so it reads natural. Short keywords salmon orzo lemon orzo skillet salmon. Longtail lines creamy lemon orzo with salmon one pan salmon orzo dinner quick salmon and spinach orzo. The main idea shows again as spinach dinner recipes and the flow stays calm and human.
Written by Nancy for Nancy Cooks found at https://www.nancycooks.com. Thanks for cooking with me.
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