Introduction:
This creamy salmon and spinach orzo is a comforting and nourishing dish that brings together the richness of seared salmon, the silkiness of a parmesan cream sauce, and the freshness of baby spinach — all tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s fancy enough for a date night, yet quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
🧾 Ingredients:
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 5-6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Orzo & Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter (additional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta (dry)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions & Method:
1. Sear the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Cook the Orzo
- Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1-2 minutes in the butter and aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the baby spinach and let it wilt, about 1–2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest (if using).
5. Finish with Salmon
- Nestle the cooked salmon fillets back into the orzo mixture.
- Spoon some sauce over the salmon, cover the pan, and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh dill.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
🍽️ Chef’s Tips:
- Substitutions: You can swap salmon for cooked shrimp, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a vegan parmesan alternative.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make tasty additions.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It:
- Only ONE pan to clean
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Creamy, flavorful, and balanced
- Packed with protein and greens